Global News Archives

Das Treffen 9: A Celebration of Porsche Passion in Southeast Asia

On December 15, 2024, the ninth edition of Das Treffen—the ultimate gathering for Porsche enthusiasts—brought the karting circuit at Impact Speed Park in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, to life. What began as an intimate meet-up among friends with a shared love for Porsche, envisioned by founder Sihabutr Xoomsai (fondly called Tenn), has grown into a full-fledged festival celebrating the legacy, innovation, and community spirit of the Porsche brand.

Record-Breaking Turnout and a Theme of Exclusivity

Das Treffen 9 broke records this year, attracting 3,050 attendees and showcasing more than 627 Porsche sports cars. Enthusiasts travelled from as far as Singapore and Vietnam to be part of this vibrant celebration. The event’s theme, “Limited Edition,” added an extra touch of exclusivity.

A highlight was the showcase of rare Porsche models, affectionately referred to as “unicorns,” which included iconic creations like the Carrera GT (limited to 1,270 units) and the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 from the 997 generation (only 600 units produced). These vintage and modern masterpieces stood proudly in the heart of the circuit, drawing admiration from fans and collectors alike.

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Honda Unveils Revolutionary S+ Shift Technology for Next-Generation Hybrids

Honda Motor has introduced its latest innovation in hybrid technology with the world premiere of Honda S+ Shift. This cutting-edge system will debut in the company’s next-generation e:HEV hybrid system, making its first appearance in the all-new Honda Prelude, which is set to launch in 2025. The technology will subsequently become a standard feature in all future Honda hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs).

At a recent press briefing, Honda detailed the advancements of its e:HEV system, emphasising its continued focus on delivering both outstanding fuel economy and exhilarating driving performance. The company’s signature two-motor hybrid system alternates seamlessly between electric and petrol power, optimising efficiency while responding dynamically to the driver’s inputs. The new S+ Shift feature promises to elevate this system by intensifying the driving experience and enhancing the emotional connection between driver and machine.

Unlike conventional hybrid systems, Honda’s S+ Shift introduces an innovative mechanism that creates the sensation of shifting gears—despite the e:HEV system lacking a traditional mechanical transmission. This is achieved through precise coordination between the engine, the high-power traction motors, and Honda’s Active Sound Control (ASC). The result is a sharper, more dynamic driving experience designed to evoke the thrill of a traditional sports car.

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Honda and Nissan Reportedly in Merger Talks to Bolster EV Competition

Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly entering discussions to merge under a single holding company in a bid to strengthen their position against electric vehicle (EV) industry leaders like Tesla, according to reports.

Reports also stated that the two companies are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the new entity. Mitsubishi Motors, where Nissan holds a significant stake, may also be included in the structure, potentially forming one of the largest auto groups globally.

Honda and Nissan issued statements addressing the report, clarifying that neither company had made any official announcements. However, they acknowledged their ongoing exploration of collaborative opportunities, leveraging each other’s strengths, as previously disclosed.

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Mercedes-Benz Vans to Usher in a New Era with VAN.EA Platform in 2026

Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced the introduction of its groundbreaking Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA), set to debut in 2026. This modular and scalable platform marks a significant shift for the brand, heralding a new era for both privately positioned and commercial vans.

The VAN.EA platform is designed to offer a clear distinction between luxury-focused private vans and premium commercial vehicles. In the private segment, the new architecture will cater to high-end markets with models ranging from elegant family vans to exclusive VIP shuttles and spacious limousines. By extending its portfolio, Mercedes-Benz Vans is carving out a unique luxury niche in the van segment, redefining the expectations of its sophisticated customer base.

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Porsche to Cut Dealer Network in China Amid Declining Sales

Porsche has announced restructuring its dealership network in China, reducing the number of Porsche Centers from 138 to about 100 by the end of 2026. This move, described by the company as an “optimisation,” comes as the German luxury carmaker grapples with declining sales in what was once its most important market.

Sales figures for Porsche in China have been on a steady decline over the past two years. In 2023, the company reported a 15% drop in sales, with a total of 79,283 vehicles sold. The situation worsened in 2024, as sales plummeted by 29% in the first nine months of the year. Once regarded as Porsche’s largest market for eight consecutive years, accounting for more than 30% of its global sales, China has become a challenging landscape for the brand amid shifting market dynamics and intensifying competition.

Struggles in the Chinese Market

China’s evolving automotive market has presented significant challenges for foreign brands like Porsche. The rise of local electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, coupled with a growing consumer preference for new energy vehicles (NEVs), including battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, has reshaped the industry. Meanwhile, an ongoing price war has put further pressure on luxury automakers, with reports suggesting that some Porsche models have seen discounts of up to 35% at dealerships.

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Renault Rises: The Story Behind Its Revival and the All-Electric Turbo Icon

Renault Group’s inspiring transformation story is the centrepiece of Anatomy of a Comeback, a four-part documentary series premiering on Prime Video. The series chronicles the company’s emergence from a challenging crisis in the early 2020s, driven by the ambitious Renaulution roadmap. This bold strategy redefined Renault’s direction and revitalized its identity, culminating in a remarkable resurgence that is now captured in this exclusive series.

The documentary provides an unprecedented glimpse into Renault’s internal processes, showcasing the innovation and dedication behind its revival. It delves into the manufacturing and design secrets of iconic models like the Renault 5, offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Alpine Formula One Team paddocks, and builds anticipation with a world-first vehicle reveal in the series finale. Through the voices of Renault’s employees, viewers witness the resilience, setbacks, and ultimate triumphs that propelled the company back to prominence.

In a groundbreaking move, the final episode of the series will unveil the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, a production vehicle that marks the 44-year revival of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo. This modern reinterpretation reimagines the classic as an all-electric hot hatch, blending the nostalgia of its rallying heritage with cutting-edge technology. The reveal takes viewers into Renault’s Design Department, where executives Luca de Meo, Fabrice Cambolive, and Gilles Vidal confirm the exciting future of this iconic model.

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Michelin and Brembo Unite to Transform Automotive Performance and Safety

Michelin and Brembo, two of the most renowned names in the automotive industry, have joined forces to revolutionise performance and safety in vehicles. This partnership integrates Michelin’s sophisticated tire-monitoring software with Brembo’s advanced AI-driven SENSIFY braking system, setting a new benchmark in braking technology. The collaboration aims to combine real-time tyre data with intelligent braking to redefine the safety and performance standards for modern automobiles.

At the heart of this groundbreaking partnership is Michelin’s cutting-edge software suite, which includes technologies like SmartWear, SmartLoad, and SmartGrip. These systems gather crucial real-time data on tyre wear, load distribution, and grip levels through sensors embedded within the vehicle. This data is then seamlessly transmitted to Brembo’s SENSIFY braking system, which uses artificial intelligence, algorithms, and sensors to independently manage the brakes on each wheel. This level of control ensures precise braking performance, enhancing safety, stability, and overall driving dynamics.

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Mercedes-AMG’s High-Performance Electric SUV Embarks on Winter Testing

Mercedes-AMG has reached a significant milestone in the development of its forthcoming high-performance electric SUV, the second model to feature the innovative AMG.EA electric vehicle architecture. Early prototypes are undergoing rigorous cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, where sub-zero temperatures push all components to their limits. These extreme tests are designed to validate the durability, performance, and integration of the SUV’s systems under the harshest conditions.

The AMG.EA Platform: Setting New Standards in EV Performance

At the heart of Mercedes-AMG’s electric future is the AMG.EA platform, which will debut in 2026 with the four-door production version of the Vision AMG concept. This cutting-edge architecture is engineered for unparalleled performance, featuring an 800V electrical system for ultra-fast charging and efficiency. The platform employs axial-flux electric motors, available in twin and tri-motor configurations, delivering outputs exceeding 1000bhp.

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BMW Leverages Vegetable Oil to Slash CO2 Emissions

In a pioneering move to enhance sustainability and reduce CO2 emissions, the BMW Group has announced a significant shift towards using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100) as a fuel for its diesel models produced in Germany. This initiative, set to begin in January 2025, underscores BMW’s commitment to cutting down its carbon footprint through innovative technology and renewable energy sources.

Green Transition with HVO 100

Starting from next year, all diesel vehicles rolling off BMW’s German production lines will be filled with HVO 100 before delivery. HVO 100, a high-quality diesel substitute, boasts up to 90% lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. “When it comes to climate protection, every ton of CO2 saved counts,” stated Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management at BMW AG.

Sustainable Fuel from Renewable Sources

HVO 100, specifically “Neste MY Renewable Diesel,” will be supplied to BMW’s plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg, and Leipzig, which collectively produce over half of BMW’s diesel vehicles. Manufactured by Finnish company Neste, this fuel is derived from waste materials such as cooking oils and other renewable resources, ensuring a significant reduction in greenhouse gases throughout its lifecycle.

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Mk1 Ford Escort Makes a Modern Comeback – 296bhp and Revs up to 10,000rpm!

The MK1 Ford Escort, a cherished icon of European motoring and rallying, is making a triumphant return, this time with a modern twist. Spearheaded by Boreham Motorworks, a U.K.-based automotive specialist renowned for its expertise in classic car restoration and cutting-edge engineering, the reborn Escort Mk1 fuses heritage with contemporary performance to captivate a new generation of enthusiasts.

In case anyone does not know, the MK1 1972 Ford Escort RS1600 was featured in Fast and Furious 6, driven by the late Paul Walker, which made the bridge jump.

This revival is part of a broader vision by Boreham Motorworks, which is also developing a modernized version of the Ford RS200, the legendary rally homologation special from the 1980s. As a member of the DRVN Automotive Group, Boreham Motorworks has built a reputation for exceptional restomod projects, including work on classics like the Ferrari F355 and Jaguar E-Type. The company also manages a Koenigsegg dealership in London.

Named the Escort Mk1 RS Continumod, this revival stays true to its legendary roots while integrating advanced technology and modern engineering. The car’s design pays homage to the original, crafted using authentic blueprints and design materials. Each vehicle is equipped with a continuation VIN approved by Ford, affirming its status as a true extension of the Mk1 legacy. Beneath its classic exterior lies a newly designed chassis that seamlessly blends vintage aesthetics with state-of-the-art performance enhancements.

The Escort Mk1 RS Continumod is set to debut its first prototype by mid-2025, with production scheduled to commence later that year. Limited to just 150 units worldwide, this exclusive collector’s item comes with a price tag of £295,000 (approximately RM1,679,000), highlighting its bespoke craftsmanship and rarity.

For powertrain options, buyers can choose between two inline-four engines. The 1.8-liter configuration produces 182bhp, offering a nostalgic yet capable driving experience. For those seeking a more exhilarating performance, the 2.1-liter variant delivers an impressive 296bhp. Despite the modest power figures by modern standards, the car’s lightweight construction—just 800 kilograms—ensures an agile and spirited drive. Both engine options are paired with manual transmissions, featuring a 4-speed for the standard model and a 5-speed for the high-performance variant, channeling power exclusively to the rear wheels to preserve the original Mk1’s renowned dynamics.

Inside, the Escort Mk1 RS Continumod blends vintage charm with modern convenience. The dashboard retains the low, horizontal design of the original, evoking a sense of spaciousness, while analog gauges are complemented by a centrally mounted digital infotainment screen. Buyers can opt for left- or right-hand-drive configurations, making the car accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.

The Escort Mk1 RS Continumod represents the perfect fusion of heritage and modern innovation, offering a driving experience that is both nostalgic and exhilarating. With its limited production and meticulous craftsmanship, this modern masterpiece ensures the Ford Escort Mk1’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and delight collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.