Johor police have exposed a car theft syndicate that can steal luxury vehicles in just 30 seconds, despite these vehicles being equipped with alarms and immobiliser systems. Johor police chief M. Kumar detailed the syndicate’s operations and the significant arrests made during a statewide operation targeting vehicle theft syndicates, according to Malay Mail.
Key Details of the Syndicate’s Modus Operandi
Targeted Vehicles: The syndicate focuses on luxury and four-wheel drive vehicles, which are sold on the black market in a neighbouring country.
Operational Tactics:
The syndicate operates in pairs to steal high-end vehicles.
They use an electronic programmer to start modern vehicles without a key.
A jammer device is employed to disable the vehicle’s GPS and alarm system within 30 seconds.
Duration of Activity: Initial investigations reveal that the syndicate has been active for five to six months.
Proton has officially commenced a significant expansion of its stamping facilities with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new E and F stamping lines. This expansion is part of the company’s strategic plan to relocate the production of the Proton Saga from Shah Alam by 2026.
Investment and Infrastructure
A substantial investment of RM253 million has been allocated for this project, which aims to increase the volume of parts stamping at the Tanjong Malim facility. This move is designed to support Proton’s overall production growth and accommodate the introduction of new models in the future. The new stamping lines follow the inauguration of the D-Line stamping plant on March 14, 2023, by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Enhanced Production Capacity
During the ceremony, Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Li Chunrong, emphasised the importance of the new lines for the company’s expansion plans. “The addition of the parts stamping E and F-Line is critical to Proton’s future volume expansion plans as it gives us more flexibility to ramp up our production and meet market demand. For the whole of 2023 and up to June 2024, our Tanjong Malim plant has stamped out 6,067,064 components, of which 395,211 are from the new D-Line, and this number will grow exponentially when production for the Proton Saga is relocated here in 2026,” he said.
Neta has officially introduced the Neta X battery-electric SUV in Malaysia, presenting three variants: the 400 Comfort, 400 Luxury and 500 Luxury. This launch marks a significant step in expanding the electric vehicle market in the region.
Performance and Powertrain
The Neta X is equipped with a single front-mounted motor that delivers 163PS and 210Nm of torque. This powertrain allows the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under 9.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 150km/h. The SUV offers two battery options:
400 Variants: A 52.49 kWh battery providing a range of 401km.
500 Variants: A 64.14 kWh battery offering a range of over 480km.
Charging times are approximately 9 hours for the 52.49 kWh battery and 11 hours for the 64.14 kWh battery using AC charging. DC fast charging from 30% to 80% takes about 30 minutes.
Suspension and Driving Modes
The Neta X features MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout in the rear for suspension, ensuring a smooth ride. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/60R18 tyres. The SUV offers multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and a one-pedal driving mode, complemented by an Auto Hold function for added convenience.
Exterior Features
Externally, the Neta X boasts:
LED headlamps, tail lamps, DRLs, and a rear fog lamp.
LED high-mount brake lamp.
Panoramic sunroof.
Roof rack.
Heated, auto-folding mirrors with turn signals.
Rain-sensing wipers.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Neta X features:
LED reading lights and luggage compartment light.
15.6-inch central touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, real-time navigation with location services, OTA software updates, voice control, online music playback, and Bluetooth connectivity.
An eight-speaker sound system for a premium audio experience.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Neta X is well-equipped with safety and driver assistance features:
Comfort Variants: Regular cruise control.
Luxury Variants: Forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, lane change assist with blind spot detection, door opening warning, rear cross traffic alert, full-speed adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane keep assist, traffic jam assist, intelligent cruise assist, traffic sign recognition, high beam assist, and an emergency lane keeping system.
Colours and Upholstery Options
The Neta X is available in five exterior colours: Pearl White, Sky Grey, Jet Black, Glacier Blue, and Amber Brown. Interior upholstery options include brown or black.
Customer Benefits
5yr/150,000km warranty
8yr/160,000km battery warrantyUntil 31st July
Double booking value
Free wallbox or 2500kW ChargEV credits
2yrs/40,000km free maintenance
Pricing
400 Comfort – RM119,888
400 Luxury – RM127,888
500 Luxury – RM135,888
Neta X Warranties:
EV High Voltage Part Warranty: Covers the vehicle controller assembly, motor controller assembly, drive motor assembly, battery pack assembly, resolver, high voltage relay, and BMS system for up to 8 years or 180,000 km, whichever comes first.
General Part Warranty: Covers parts for up to 5 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first.
Special Financing
Affin Bank is offering a special financing rate as low as 2.20% and a priority lane to expedite the approval process within 6 hours of receiving completed applications for NETA EV.
The Neta X, with its combination of performance, advanced features, and customer benefits, aims to make a significant impact in Malaysia’s electric vehicle market.
Puspakom has assured customers that the new requirement to produce their tax identification number (TIN) from today will not lead to delays or longer queues at any of its inspection centres. The new mandate comes from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) as part of the e-invoicing system set to begin on August 1.
Integrated Process
According to FMT, Puspakom CEO Mahmood Razak Bahman explained that the TIN requirement has been seamlessly integrated into the MyPuspakom website for customers making online bookings. “Customers only need to update their TIN details on MyPuspakom once, and future bookings will proceed as they do now,” he said. This early rollout aims to address any potential glitches, with Puspakom committed to supporting customers throughout the transition.
Honda Malaysia celebrated a major milestone today with the delivery of its 170,000th Civic and 150,000th HR-V in Malaysia. The event took place at Honda Botanic Auto Mall Sdn. Bhd., marking a double achievement for the popular models.
Historic Milestone
The 170,000th Civic, a 2.0L e:HEV RS, was handed over to Mr. Lim Chin Hui, while the 150,000th HR-V, a 1.5L e:HEV RS, was delivered to Ms. Asha Waheda. Both customers received exclusive gifts and Honda Genuine Accessories valued at RM10,000 as part of the celebration.
Sales and Growth
In the first half of 2024, Honda Malaysia reported total sales exceeding 39,200 units, a 16% increase from the same period in 2023. The HR-V led sales in the Non-National Compact SUV Segment, contributing 28% to Honda Malaysia’s total sales. The City model followed with 24%, and the CR-V contributed 15%.
The company also noted a growing demand for its e:HEV technology. The e:HEV variants, available in models like the City, City Hatchback, Civic, HR-V, and CR-V, accounted for 13% of sales in the first half of 2024, reflecting substantial growth for Honda’s hybrid models.
Future Commitment
Honda Malaysia continues to uphold its “How We Move You” tagline, focusing on creating mobility products and services that drive progress and enhance the joy and freedom of mobility for its customers. The company remains dedicated to advancing its offerings and meeting the evolving needs of the Malaysian market.
Sime Darby Berhad and Porsche have announced a significant expansion of Porsche’s assembly facility at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah. This expansion marks a milestone in their longstanding partnership and aims to drive growth in the ASEAN region. Here are the key highlights of this development:
Expansion Details:
Facility Size: The assembly facility has been expanded to 11,000 square meters.
New Assembly Line: The expansion includes the introduction of a new assembly line for the plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe.
Export Milestone: The Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be the first locally assembled Porsche model to be exported to Thailand, highlighting the facility’s growing capabilities.
Naza Italia has introduced the MY24 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia, offering both GT hybrid and Trofeo versions of the brand’s highly anticipated SUV. Dubbed “The Everyday Exceptional,” the Grecale balances versatility, elegance, performance, and innovation, ensuring a blend of performance, comfort, and safety.
The Maserati Grecale, named after a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and produced at the Cassino plant. Launched globally in 2022, the Grecale inaugurates a new SUV segment for Maserati, offering three engine variants: conventional internal combustion, hybrid, and full-electric.
The Grecale GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine delivering 300hp, embodying urban sophistication suitable for dynamic individuals with a refined style. Meanwhile, the Grecale Trofeo is equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine from the MC20, designed for those seeking disruptive performance.
The Grecale showcases Maserati’s new visual identity, first seen with the MC20. Its exterior features a low, imposing grille, fluid body lines, boomerang taillights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT, and 20” alloy wheels with body-colour bumpers and side skirts. Inside, the Grecale boasts spaciousness, comfort, and “best-in-class” features such as interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration, sound quality, and fine materials like wood, carbon fibre, and leather. Dimensions for the GT version include a length of 4,846mm, a wheelbase of 2,901mm, and a height of 1,670mm, just slightly bigger than the BMW X4.
The cabin of the Grecale features a sophisticated environment inspired by interior design rather than the automotive sector. A digital transformation of the traditional clockface acts as an in-car concierge via voice control, while touch-based controls are managed by a 12.3” central screen, an 8.8” display for extra controls, and an optional heads-up display in the Trofeo version. The Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) manages the infotainment system, complemented by an immersive Sonus Faber 3D sound system offering up to 21 speakers.
The new Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system provides 360° control over the car, enhancing handling and driving experience. The VDCM system supports various drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Off-Road, allowing drivers to shift from utmost comfort to extreme responsiveness.
The Grecale GT is priced from RM634,889.00, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. The Grecale Trofeo is priced from RM1,100,000, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. Both models come with a 3-year full Maserati warranty with no mileage restrictions, with an option to extend the warranty for up to 10 years.
The MY24 Maserati Grecale represents a bold statement for those who live audaciously and choose to stand out, offering an exceptional driving experience every day.
The Federal Court has dismissed an application by former Grab driver, Loh Guet Ching, seeking leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal decision that upheld the Human Resources Minister’s refusal to refer her alleged unfair dismissal case to the Industrial Court.
Panel and Decision
The three-member panel, comprising Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Justice Nallini Pathmanathan, and Justice Rhodzariah Bujang, found that the questions of law presented did not meet the requirements under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. The decision was delivered in online proceedings, with no order as to costs.
Questions of Law
Loh’s lawyer, Ng Kian Nam, sought the court’s determination on six legal questions concerning whether e-hailing drivers and gig economy workers should pursue unfair dismissal disputes in the industrial or civil courts. However, the Senior Federal Counsel, Nik Noor Nik Kar, and lawyer T Thavalingam, representing MyTeksi Sdn Bhd (operating under Grab), contended that the questions were not novel and thus did not justify the appeal.
Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has officially launched its jet operations at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang (SZB). Ticket sales for Penang and Kota Kinabalu routes begin on July 22, 2024.
Promotional Fares and Travel Dates
To celebrate the launch, Firefly is offering promotional fares:
Subang to Penang (PEN): RM129 one-way
Subang to Kota Kinabalu (BKI): RM249 one-way
These promotional fares are available for travel between August 29, 2024, and August 6, 2025. The all-inclusive fares come with:
smart Malaysia proudly announces the launch of smartCO, a groundbreaking community privileges programme designed exclusively for smart EV owners. This initiative stands as one of the industry’s pioneering efforts to cultivate a robust community where business opportunities flourish, all seamlessly integrated via the cutting-edge Hello smart App.
smartCO is more than just a programme; it embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration, inviting all smart EV owners to co-create a dynamic community that thrives on mutual benefits. Whether you’re a restaurateur, photographer, legal consultant, or freelance writer, smartCO welcomes businesses of all kinds to join this movement.
