Global News Archives

Volvo Owners in China Report Alleged Fake Bowers & Wilkins Speakers

Volvo owners in China have raised concerns over the authenticity of the Bowers & Wilkins audio systems installed in their vehicles, following reports of discrepancies in branding and construction.

The issue came to light when a Volvo S60 owner discovered a peculiar detail in the Tweeter-on-Top centre speaker of his vehicle. Instead of the renowned “Bowers & Wilkins” logo, the speaker was labelled as “Bovvers & VVilkins,” with two “V” characters replacing the letter “W” in both words. The owner, suspicious of the odd spelling, confronted the dealership, which dismissed the issue, claiming there was no typographical error. Images of the mislabelled speaker surfaced in Chinese media outlets further fueling concerns.

According to reports, the S60 owner had taken his vehicle to the dealership to have its original Bowers & Wilkins sound system replaced, though the reason for the replacement was not specified. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio package is an exclusive option in certain Volvo models, including the top-tier S60 Ultra in the U.S., where it is priced at $3,200 (RM14,095).

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Mercedes-Benz Confirms Development of “Baby G-Wagen”

Mercedes-Benz has officially announced that a smaller version of the iconic G-Wagen is in development. The confirmation came during an investor-relations presentation, though the German automaker has yet to disclose details regarding powertrains, design, or a release timeline.

Speculation has been mounting that the “Baby G-Wagen” will feature an all-electric powertrain, potentially utilizing technology derived from the current electric G-Class. However, Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed whether the smaller off-roader will be EV-exclusive.

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BMW Unveils Next-Generation Electric Drive Technology with Neue Klasse

The BMW Group is ushering in a new era of electric mobility with its sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology. At the Tech Days event in Landshut, the company provided insights into the development and production of high-voltage batteries and electric drive systems, all of which will benefit the upcoming Neue Klasse models. The first Neue Klasse vehicle is set to enter series production later this year at Plant Debrecen in Hungary.

Key Technological Advancements

Energy Master Intelligent Control Unit: Developed and produced at Plant Landshut, this unit manages energy distribution, power supply, and battery operation.
High-Voltage Battery with Cylindrical Cells: A new battery design promises a technological leap, offering a 30% increase in charging speed and range.

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Volvo ES90 Set for March 2025 Debut with Advanced AI and Safety Features

Volvo is preparing to unveil its latest electric sedan, the ES90, on March 5, 2025, marking a significant step in the company’s push toward software-defined vehicles. Designed to evolve over time, the ES90 is built on the SPA2 platform and the Superset tech stack, allowing for continuous updates that enhance safety, performance, and connectivity.

The ES90 is Volvo’s most advanced car in terms of core computing power. It will be the first model to feature a dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin configuration, delivering 508 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This computing power orchestrates critical vehicle functions, including AI-driven active safety features, sensor processing, and battery management. Compared to its predecessor, the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Xavier, the new system provides an eightfold increase in AI computing performance. This improvement enables Volvo to expand its deep learning models from 40 million to 200 million parameters over time, further refining safety and autonomous driving capabilities.

As part of Volvo’s Safe Space Technology, the ES90 is equipped with an extensive sensor array designed to enhance safety in all driving conditions. The vehicle integrates one LiDAR, five radars, eight cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors, providing a 360-degree view of its surroundings. These sensors work in combination with an advanced driver monitoring system inside the car, ensuring that potential hazards are detected and addressed in real-time. The system is designed to function effectively even in low-light conditions, taking proactive measures to prevent collisions.

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Bugatti Begins Deliveries of the W16 Mistral, the World’s Fastest Roadster

Bugatti has commenced deliveries of the highly anticipated W16 Mistral, marking the final chapter of its legendary quad-turbocharged W16 engine. The first customer units have now arrived in the United States, each representing the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship and performance engineering.

First unveiled at Monterey Car Week in 2022, the W16 Mistral pays homage to Bugatti’s rich heritage of open-top motoring. The design draws inspiration from iconic roadsters such as the 1934 Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid, blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge performance. With a record-breaking top speed of 453.91km/h, the Mistral now holds the title of the world’s fastest roadster, reinforcing Bugatti’s legacy of extreme performance.

Following its global debut, the W16 Mistral embarked on an extensive world tour, captivating audiences at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille in France before making its way to the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, and the winding roads of Southern France. Each stop showcased the roadster’s combination of refined aesthetics and unparalleled engineering, building anticipation among collectors and automotive enthusiasts.

Now, as the first examples reach their owners, the personalisation and craftsmanship of each vehicle highlight Bugatti’s commitment to exclusivity. One of the first models delivered features a striking “Black Carbon” exterior, contrasted by “Bugatti Light Blue Sport” accents. This variant exudes power and refinement, with matte accents on the engine cover paying tribute to the legendary W16 engine. The interior is adorned with “Bugatti Light Blue Sport” leather upholstery, complemented by “Black Carbon” matte finishes and “Beluga Black” stitching.

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2026 Volvo XC60: Enhanced Tech, Comfort, and Design

For the upcoming model year, Volvo has given the XC60 a significant refresh, elevating its user experience, design, and comfort while introducing a faster, more responsive infotainment system. These updates aim to solidify the XC60’s status as Volvo’s best-selling model, which has achieved over 1.5 million sales worldwide since its debut in 2017. In 2024, the SUV even set a new sales record, reaffirming its strong market presence.

Next-Generation Infotainment and User Experience

The refreshed XC60 now features Volvo’s latest user experience, designed for safer and more intuitive interactions. A key highlight is the new 11.2-inch free-standing central touchscreen, offering a 21% increase in pixel density for sharper visuals. This updated system integrates multiple Google services* and allows for over-the-air updates**, extending its functionality beyond factory settings.

Powering this upgraded system is the next-generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies*, which makes the infotainment system more than twice as fast as before, with ten times faster graphics rendering. The result is a more responsive and seamless interface that enhances both convenience and safety.

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Volkswagen Charts a Course for Revival with New EV Strategy

After years of decline, Volkswagen has acknowledged its struggles and is implementing a strategy to reclaim its competitive edge. Facing increasing pressure from Chinese automakers and the accelerating shift to electrification, the German automaker has introduced a turnaround plan known as Triple A—Accelerate, Attack, and Achieve. Central to this strategy is the launch of nine new models by 2027, beginning with two smaller, more affordable electric vehicles under the ID. family.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the ID.2, expected in 2026, and the ID.1, set to arrive in 2027, will be key components of its electrification efforts. The ID.1 is slated for an official unveiling in early March, featuring an all-electric powertrain with a starting price of approximately €20,000 (RM88,965). Employees at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg headquarters will be the first to see the vehicle before its public debut.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer described the new model as a crucial achievement, stating that an affordable, high-quality, and profitable electric Volkswagen designed in Europe for the European market represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Wolfsburg will remain the core of Volkswagen’s electrification drive, though changes in production strategy are underway. To accommodate the transition, the company is relocating Golf production to Mexico, making space for electric vehicle manufacturing.

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Honda Open to Reconsidering Merger with Nissan on Condition of CEO’s Resignation

The merger discussions between Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. have officially collapsed, with tensions running high over the conditions proposed by Honda. A senior Nissan official expressed strong discontent over what he described as “rude” demands made by Honda during the negotiations.

At the core of the disagreement was Honda’s insistence that Nissan become its subsidiary, a condition that ultimately led to the breakdown of the talks. Honda also pushed Nissan to restructure its business and abandon its proprietary hybrid vehicle (HV) system, e-Power, in favour of Honda’s own HV technology. These proposals were perceived as an affront to Nissan’s reputation, particularly given its historical branding as the “Nissan of technology.”

From Honda’s perspective, integrating Nissan’s sales channels with its hybrid system would have improved economies of scale, potentially lowering procurement costs for both companies. However, Nissan, once a leader in electric vehicle (EV) production, has struggled to keep pace with Toyota and Honda in the hybrid segment. A senior Honda official asserted that Honda had a clear advantage over Nissan in HV technology, further fueling tensions.

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Audi Plans to Elevate Brand with Ultra-Luxury A8 and SUV Successors

Audi is charting a course further upmarket, positioning itself as an even more prestigious brand with upscale replacements for its flagship models, including the A8 limousine and the Q7 and Q8 SUVs. The German automaker is laying the groundwork for a more luxurious and exclusive brand perception, pushing into higher price segments while maintaining its premium identity.

The Grandsphere concept, unveiled in 2021, hinted at a potential future iteration of the A8 that would elevate it into true luxury territory. Similarly, the 2022 Urbansphere concept suggested that Audi may introduce an even larger, more opulent SUV. Now, the Volkswagen-owned brand is refining its strategy to further enhance its desirability and status.

Audi UK’s new managing director, Jose Miguel Aparicio, emphasised this shift in an interview with Auto Express, stating that the company prioritises prestige and exclusivity over sheer volume. “We are making a step upwards in terms of premiums, increasing the prestige, desirability, and perception of the brand, and more interested in the quality of business than the quantity,” he said.

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BMW Showcases Future Driving Dynamics with Vision Driving Experience Prototype

The BMW Group has unveiled its latest high-performance test vehicle, the BMW Vision Driving Experience, a prototype designed to push the limits of driving pleasure. While not intended for mass production, this Vision Vehicle serves as a rolling test platform for the advanced drivetrain and driving dynamics technology developed for BMW’s next-generation electric models under the Neue Klasse banner.

At the heart of this prototype is the “Heart of Joy,” an advanced control system engineered to redefine electric driving. BMW recently put the system through a rigorous endurance test at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, USA, where it demonstrated its full potential. As part of an exclusive preview presentation, the company provided insights into how the Heart of Joy will shape the electric driving experience in the Neue Klasse models, set to launch later this year from BMW’s Plant Debrecen in Hungary.

The Heart of Joy introduces a new dimension to BMW’s core philosophy of Sheer Driving Pleasure, complementing the Neue Klasse’s focus on electrification, digitalization, and sustainability. The small black control unit at the core of this system is set for series production, even though the Vision Vehicle itself will not enter the market.

Enhancing Driving Pleasure and Efficiency

BMW’s Head of Development, Frank Weber, highlighted the transformative impact of the Heart of Joy, stating that it elevates driving pleasure to unprecedented levels while also enhancing efficiency. The system significantly improves regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to rely almost entirely on energy recuperation, reducing the need for conventional braking. This efficiency boost aligns with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics strategy, maximizing range and sustainability.

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Global News

Volvo Owners in China Report Alleged Fake Bowers & Wilkins Speakers

Mercedes-Benz Confirms Development of “Baby G-Wagen”

BMW Unveils Next-Generation Electric Drive Technology with Neue Klasse

Volvo ES90 Set for March 2025 Debut with Advanced AI and Safety Features

Bugatti Begins Deliveries of the W16 Mistral, the World’s Fastest Roadster

2026 Volvo XC60: Enhanced Tech, Comfort, and Design

Volkswagen Charts a Course for Revival with New EV Strategy

Honda Open to Reconsidering Merger with Nissan on Condition of CEO’s Resignation

Audi Plans to Elevate Brand with Ultra-Luxury A8 and SUV Successors

BMW Showcases Future Driving Dynamics with Vision Driving Experience Prototype

Denza Unveils N8L Flagship SUV, Combining Hybrid Power with Drone Integration

Aston Martin Valhalla Makes Thrilling Dynamic Debut on Monaco Circuit

Geely Unveils Extended-Range Galaxy E5 with 610km All-Electric Capability

BMW Unveils Concept Speedtop, Announces Limited Production Run

Proton’s R&D Centre in Hangzhou Bay Accelerates Technological Growth and EV Innovation

Xiaomi Unveils YU7 Electric SUV – 681hp, 866Nm of Torque, Top Speed of 253km/h

Lotus Emira to Ditch the V6 for a V8 Engine?

Nissan Reimagines the MICRA as Fully Electric Hatchback for 2025

Elon Musk Affirms Commitment to Tesla Leadership Amid Political Backlash and Market Challenges

FIAT Unveils Grande Panda 4×4 Concept: A Classic Reimagined for the Modern Age

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Proton e.MAS 7 Crowned Malaysia’s Fastest-Selling EV in Record Time

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