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smart Damansara, an all-electric car dealership operated by Smart Mobility Sdn Bhd, has inaugurated its latest outlet in Mutiara Damansara.

Situated on the ground floor of Menara TSR in Mutiara Damansara, this expansive 3S centre covers an area of 7,500 sq ft, boasting a service centre with four service bays, a showroom, and a spare parts hub. With its four service bays, smart Damansara aims to cater to the needs of up to 30 cars per day, depending on the type of service required. The service intervals for the smart EV car are as follows:

  • Once a year or 20,000km, whichever comes first (Aircond Filter)
  • Once every 2 years or 40,000km, whichever comes first (Brake Service)
  • Once every 3 years or 60,000km, whichever comes first (Transmission oil)
  • Once every 4 years or 80,000km, whichever comes first (Coolant)

This outlet serves as a dedicated community space, offering a comprehensive and convenient experience for all smart-related needs. The 3S centre provides convenience for customers during their wait for service. While waiting, customers can enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks, with car servicing typically completed within two hours. With high-speed wifi available, customers can work or watch a movie. Additionally, there is a dedicated kids’ play zone for families to keep their children entertained while waiting.

The centre operates from Monday to Sunday with the following hours: Monday – Saturday, from 9.00am – 7.00 pm and Sunday from 10.00am – 6.00pm. Visitors are welcome for test drives anytime, however customers requiring car servicing are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling this number: 016-5558707.

Zurich Malaysia, dedicated to offering personalised and comprehensive automotive care, has introduced its network of Preferred Windscreen Specialists. These carefully selected partners embody Zurich Malaysia’s core brand philosophy of “Care For What Matters,” delivering top-notch service and value for car owners.

The introduction of Preferred Windscreen Specialists by Zurich Malaysia aims to establish new standards for convenience and reliability in windscreen repair and replacement services. The network comprises four reputable partners: Nanmar Motor Service Sdn Bhd, CCH Auto Glass Sdn Bhd, Mobile Windscreen Sdn Bhd, and Dr. Cermin Sdn Bhd.

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In an interview with Bloomberg on Tuesday, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli reaffirmed the government’s decision to cut fuel subsidies this year as part of efforts to reduce the national fiscal deficit.

As reported by The Star, Rafizi emphasised the necessity of implementing the subsidy cuts to “manage the sequence” effectively, particularly in light of looming inflation risks. The move aligns with the government’s targeted RON95 subsidy programme planned for the second half of 2024, aimed at optimising resources for those most in need.

Highlighting concerns over the distribution of blanket fuel subsidies, Rafizi noted that the top 20 (T20) income group currently receives 53% of these subsidies. He stressed that such blanket subsidies, particularly on RON95 fuel, have accounted for a significant portion of the total RM81 billion in subsidies disbursed in 2023.

The government aims to narrow the budget deficit to 4.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, compared to 5% in 2023. Rafizi emphasised the importance of adhering to a certain timeline to achieve this fiscal target.

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Speculation is swirling regarding the potential entry of the BYD Seal U into the Malaysian automotive market. The Seal U, loved for its fusion of cutting-edge technology, spacious interior, and advanced tech, has captured the imagination of Malaysian drivers seeking sustainable transportation options. 

Compounding the anticipation is the presence of the BYD Seal AWD and RWD models which are already making waves in Malaysia, laying the groundwork for the Seal U’s imminent arrival.

Currently available in Europe, the BYD Seal U offers two variants: Comfort and Design. The Seal U boasts double U-shaped headlights with light clusters for enhanced visibility, while its rear showcases a continuous taillight with a waterdrops matrix pattern.

Dimension-wise, the Seal U stands 4,785mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,668 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,765mm, slightly larger than the Atto 3. The Seal U rides on 19-inch aerodynamic wheels which supposedly help to improve range.

Inside, the Seal U presents a futuristic interior, featuring a floating centre console and double-layer storage compartments. A large rotatable touchscreen serves as the central control hub for connectivity and infotainment, complemented by head-up display technology for essential information projection.

With GPS as standard and a variety of Apps, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the BYD Seal U’s 4G connectivity system provides an ultra-smart driving experience with modern infotainment and intuitive voice control. It also includes over-the-air (OTA) upgrades.

Cargo-wise, the Seal U offers 552 litres of boot capacity, expandable to 1,440 litres with rear seats folded down, catering to various storage needs.

Charging is swift, with 140 kW DC rapid charging enabling 30% to 80% State of Charge in just 28 minutes. The Comfort variant houses a 71.8 kWh battery, providing up to 420km of range, while the Design variant boasts an 87 kWh battery, offering up to 500km of range. 

BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate batteries power both variants. The total power output is 217PS and 330Nm of torque with a top speed of 175km/h and power is sent to the front wheels.

Safety-wise, the Seal U has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and features a range of active and passive safety features essential for families, including top scores in various impact tests and child seat installation ratings.

While the BYD Seal rivals the Tesla Model 3, the BYD Seal U is up against the Tesla Model Y, which is priced from RM199,000 to RM288,000. So BYD has to play its cards right to outsell Tesla, but judging by its pricing strategy of late, BYD Malaysia may not be too concerned about Tesla. 

Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, is gearing up for its second consecutive year participating in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024 (PCCA) following a successful debut season. Partnering with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), Sime Darby Racing Team will compete in the PRO category with driver Nazim Azman at the helm, aiming to continue Porsche’s motorsport legacy while nurturing local talent in motorsport.

In the upcoming 21st season of PCCA, all drivers will compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) cars, ensuring equal technical standards across the field. Sime Darby Racing Team is poised to build on its achievements from the previous season and establish itself as a formidable contender in this prestigious Asian one-make series.

Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, expressed pride in the team’s commitment to empowering local talent in motorsport and their eagerness to bring forward the learnings from the previous season to the 2024 season.

Nazim Azman, the Malaysian race driver representing Sime Darby Racing Team, also highlighted the pride he feels in driving the 911 GT3 Cup car with its Malaysian batik-inspired livery, symbolising a connection to home while racing internationally.

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Continental Tyres has introduced the MaxContact MC7 tyre, a high-performance tyre designed to meet the needs of drivers in the Asia Pacific region. Developed by a team of engineers and material experts, the MC7 offers precise steering, dynamic handling, and maximum control for urban driving.

The MC7 prioritises control and stability, enabling drivers to make sharper turns and navigate corners with confidence. The Cornering Macroblocks and ReFlex Compound work together to maximise the contact area with the road, ensuring a stable and controlled drive.

Safety is a key focus of the MaxContact MC7, particularly in wet weather conditions common in the APAC region. The tyre features 3D Laser-cut Sipes for enhanced grip and braking performance on wet roads, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. The silica technology in the ReFlex compound improves braking distances on both dry and wet surfaces.

Additionally, the MaxContact MC7 offers a quieter driving experience, thanks to the upgraded Two-in-1 Noise Breaker 3.0, which minimises sound waves and reduces noise in the car cabin.

The MaxContact MC7 is part of Continental’s Gen7 product lineup, representing the latest generation of tyre technologies tailored for APAC drivers. Available in sizes ranging from 16” to 21”, the MC7 is designed to provide exceptional performance and driving experiences for customers across the region.

Child rights activists, parents, and officials are calling for stricter actions against parents who do not ensure their children are belted up in cars or seated in appropriate child car seats. This demand follows the circulation of a viral video showing a man driving without a seatbelt while a child was not in a car seat.

According to MalaysiaKini, Dr. Hartini Zainudin, a child activist, stresses the need to issue fines against negligent parents to promote responsible behaviour and ensure compliance with traffic laws and safety regulations.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously mandated the usage of child restraint systems (CRS) in private vehicles in 2020. Despite an initial period of public education, activists now advocate for enforcement, including fines, under the Road Transport Act 1987.

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smart #1, the flagship EV model from PRO-NET, has made a significant impact in the Malaysian EV market, securing its position as the third-ranked EV SUV priced above RM180k. This achievement highlights smart’s popularity and success in the premium EV segment, a testament to its innovation and customer-centric approach.

The exponential growth of the Malaysian EV market underscores the increasing demand for sustainable mobility solutions. In this landscape, smart has emerged as a frontrunner, capturing the trust and preference of Malaysian consumers.

The success of smart #1 can be attributed to its exceptional performance, evident in its record-breaking sales figures and consistent ranking among top contenders in the premium EV SUV segment. Features like the Brabus model have further enhanced its appeal, showcasing exceptional performance and quality.

Several factors contribute to smart’s achievements, including its premium brand DNA inherited from Mercedes-Benz, unique selling propositions such as comprehensive charging solutions, and advanced driver assistance features. smart Malaysia’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled customer experience, exemplified by initiatives like the Hello smart app and seamless service offerings, reinforces smart #1’s success in the market.

Furthermore, smart Malaysia’s collaboration with stakeholders and expansion of its dealer network demonstrate its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Malaysian consumers and driving EV adoption nationwide. The establishment of community-centric hubs further underscores smart’s efforts to make EV ownership convenient and accessible across the country.

Peugeot Malaysia is rolling out the red carpet for car enthusiasts with its upcoming “Sinar Raya Open House Weekend” on April 20th and 21st from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During this special event, fans of the French marque can take advantage of incredible rebates up to RM8,000 and even stand a chance to win lucky “ketupats” when they test drive and book the Peugeot 2008, 3008, and 5008.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors will have the opportunity to get an exclusive preview of the soon-to-be-launched all-new Peugeot 408, which will be on display at participating dealerships. This allows enthusiasts to get a sneak peek and learn more about the 408 ahead of its official launch, giving them the chance to place a booking early.

The all-new Peugeot 408 boasts a completely redesigned exterior with a host of new technologies, embodying “The Language of Attraction.” Its unique feline cues and bespoke fastback silhouette hint at the future design direction for Peugeot vehicles. Notably, the 408 is the first model to showcase the brand’s all-new Peugeot logo and features innovative ergonomic seats certified by AGR Germany, complete with a built-in massage function.

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Chery Auto Malaysia has provided an update to customers and the public regarding a viral complaint (6 April 2024) circulating online from a Chery Omoda 5 customer. Since the initial report on 6 April 2024, Chery’s customer care team has maintained close communication with the customer, providing regular updates while their skilled technical team conducted a comprehensive investigation into her car’s alleged faulty brakes.

In addition to the internal investigation, the car was sent to Puspakom for an impartial assessment. At Puspakom, a thorough 10-point inspection, including a brake test, was conducted to evaluate various aspects such as efficiency, dynamic imbalance, run-out, residual force, and parking brake performance, ensuring optimal braking capability.

Reports state that all inspections carried out by both Chery Auto Malaysia’s team and Puspakom have yielded no adverse findings. The results confirm that the car is indeed safe, and the brake system meets satisfactory standards, as indicated in the Puspakom test result. The customer has been duly informed of these results, and the team has provided her with a comprehensive report detailing the findings of all inspections conducted.

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