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Malaysia Expands Open Payment Toll System to Six More Highways

Starting in September, six additional highways in Malaysia will implement the open payment toll collection system (SPT). This expansion is part of an effort to make toll payments more convenient and efficient for motorists, allowing payments to be made using credit and debit cards in addition to the existing Touch ’n Go, SmartTag, and RFID options.

According to Bernama, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that these six highways will join the 12 highways that have already been using the SPT system since its launch last year. This inclusion will bring the total number of lanes equipped with the SPT system to 35. The highways that will adopt the system include:

1. North-South Expressway (PLUS/Thailand-Singapore, 770 km)
2. Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (SPDH, 23 km)
3. Linkedua Highway (Singapore-Malaysia, 47 km)
4. Grand Saga Highway (Cheras-Kajang, 11.5 km)
5. Grand Sepadu (North Port-Bukit Raja Klang, 17.5 km)
6. Setiawangsa-Pantai Expressway (SPE/North to South KL, 30 km)

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Honda Malaysia Sold 28,700 Units of the City Hatchback Since 2021

We all know how good and popular Japanese cars are here in Malaysia, especially Honda’s. Ever since the launch of the City Hatchback in 2021, Honda Malaysia has managed to sell 28,700 units of it.

The overall Honda sales for the first quarter (Q1) 2024 reached 21,500 units, a 23% increase in Q1 of 2024, compared to Q1 2023.

Due to the City hatchback’s popularity, Honda Malaysia has introduced the new facelift City Hatchback and has targeted to sell 900 units a month. Due to the high demand, we can see them achieving this.

The pricing for the new City Hatchback starts at RM85,900 for the S variant, RM90,900 for the E variant, RM95,900 for the V variant, RM100,900 for the Petrol RS and RM112,900 for the top of the line e:HEV RS variant.

Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers 109PS and 253Nm, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version puts out 121PS and 145Nm of torque.

All variants are equipped with safety features such as six airbags and Walk Away Auto Lock. The Multi-Angle Reverse Camera with Hi-Resolution are fitted in all variants except for S variant. Additionally, the V and RS variants are also equipped with Honda LaneWatch to enhance vision for blind spot. The New City Hatchback RS variants are equipped with smartphone application integration named Honda CONNECT for Safety, Security and Convenience. To provide further value, Honda CONNECT is now available as an optional accessory for S, E and V variants.

Malaysia Autoshow 2024 Gearing Up for Over 45 Car and Bike Launches

Malaysia Autoshow 2024, organised by Malaysia Automotive Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii), is gearing up to be an electrifying event with over 45 exciting car and bike launches. Scheduled from May 22nd to May 26th, 2024, at MAEPS Serdang, this year’s Autoshow promises to be bigger and better than ever before, offering an immersive experience for automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike.

The esteemed sponsors of Malaysia Autoshow 2024 include:

Platinum Sponsor: Perodua
Gold Sponsors: Proton and Petronas
Silver Sponsor: Chery

Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii, highlighted that alongside the vehicle launches, the event will host the 50th Commemorative Malaysia-China Automotive Summit, the 13th ASIAN Automotive Environmental Forum (AAEF), the MyMAP Grand Prix Award 2024, and a Business Forum & Business Matching event.

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New Honda City Hatchback Facelift Launched from RM85,900 – Total of Five Variants

Honda Malaysia has finally launched the much anticipated facelifted City Hatchback. The facelifted model was available for bookings at all Honda dealerships nationwide back in April of this year.

Introduced in 2021, the City Hatchback was Honda Malaysia’s second model featuring the e:HEV technology. The e:HEV RS variant, known for its sporty appeal, contributed significantly to the Company’s hybrid sales, accounting for 16% of total hybrid sales. In 2023, the City Hatchback achieved strong sales figures, solidifying its presence in the Non-National hatchback segment.

The new Honda City Hatchback comes in a total of five variants; the S, E, V, Petrol RS and e:HEV RS.

The facelifted City Hatchback has a newly designed Honeycomb Front Grille, Front Lower Grille, LED Front Fog Lights Garnish and Rear Bumper Lower Garnish. New Berlina Black 16-inch Alloy Wheels and a new edgy-looking Side Sill Garnish further elevate the sporty appeal of both RS variants. The Petrol RS and e:HEV RS variants of the New City Hatchback is now longer with refreshed exterior design measuring 4,369mm in length while the S, E and V variants are 4,350 mm in length.

Powered by the 1.5L e:HEV powertrain, the RS variant delivers 109PS and 253Nm, while the 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC petrol version puts out 121PS and 145Nm of torque.

The interior has received some upgrades too. The RS variants now feature a red-painted dashboard panel and sporty Combi Leather seats with red stitching. Both Petrol RS and e:HEV RS are fitted with 8” Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless Connectivity, in addition to 7” TFT Meter Cluster. The New City Hatchback continues to excel in practicality and spaciousness, thanks to the ultra Seat, which comes standard across all variants.

The New City Hatchback is equipped with Honda SENSING as a standard safety feature for all variants, now including the Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN). The complete list of Honda SENSING features in the New City Hatchback includes Low Speed Follow (LSF) – (new feature applicable for e:HEV RS only), Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) – new feature for all variants, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

The on the road pricing without insurance for the new City Hatchback starts at RM85,900 for the S, RM90,900 for the E, RM95,900 for the V, RM100,900 for the Petrol RS and RM112,900 for the top of the line e:HEV RS.

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion is Setting the Stage for a Limited Edition Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger continues its winning streak with a blend of robustness and innovation, setting the stage for the unveiling of its latest model, the limited edition Ford Ranger. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, is gearing up to introduce this exclusive model, poised to resonate with loyal fans and attract a wider audience with its enhanced features and premium design.

Scheduled to be showcased to the public from May 30 to June 2, 2024, at One Utama Luxe, New Wing, the limited edition Ford Ranger promises an elevated outdoor experience. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore the rugged yet refined model up close and personal, with test drives available for not only the limited edition variant but also other Ranger and Everest models, providing a comprehensive overview of Ford’s versatile lineup. Interested customers can pre-register for the event via www.sdacford.com.my.

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Malaysia Auto-Market Ranks Second in Southeast Asia, Surpassing Thailand

The automotive market landscape in Southeast Asia is witnessing significant shifts, with Malaysia emerging as the region’s second-largest auto market, surpassing Thailand and trailing only behind Indonesia. This transformation underscores Malaysia’s growing importance in the automotive sector, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s automotive industry dynamics.

Data compiled by sources reveals that Malaysia’s auto sales figures have consistently outpaced those of Thailand for three consecutive quarters through January-March 2024. The Malaysian Automotive Association reports a 5% increase in auto sales in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 202,245 vehicles. This growth follows an impressive 11% surge in 2023, setting a record of 799,731 vehicles sold.

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GAC Motor Cyberjaya Open For Business – GAC GS3 Emzoom Roadshow

Evo Cartech Sdn. Bhd., an authorised dealer of GAC vehicles in Cyberjaya, officially opens its operations today, unveiling a 4,434-square-foot showroom located in the heart of the city centre. As part of the GAC Motor dealership network in Malaysia, the newly opened showroom will showcase GAC Motor’s latest lineup of automotive products, beginning with the compact SUV GAC GS3 Emzoom. This model will be available for public viewing and test drives starting from the opening day.

Distributed in Malaysia by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn. Bhd., the newly introduced GAC GS3 Emzoom SUV boasts a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 177PS and 270Nm of torque. Its striking design is complemented by advanced technology features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features.

From May 16 to 19, visitors can experience the GAC GS3 Emzoom at the GAC Cyberjaya showroom, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. For further details, interested individuals can visit facebook.com/GACMotorCyberjaya.

Hyundai Malaysia’s Official Instagram Account Compromised

Hyundai Malaysia has issued a statement announcing the compromise of its official Instagram account, @hyundaimy_official. The breach occurred on May 14, 2024, at approximately 6:40 PM. The company has swiftly responded by collaborating with Meta, the parent company of Instagram, to rectify the situation and regain control of the account.

In light of the compromise, Hyundai Malaysia has advised its followers and the wider social media community to exercise caution. They have specifically cautioned against interacting with any posts, messages, or links originating from the compromised account, @hyundaimy_official.

As a precautionary measure, Hyundai Malaysia has opted to communicate official updates and announcements solely through alternative social media channels. These include the official Hyundai Malaysia Facebook account, “Hyundai Malaysia,” and the LinkedIn account of “Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn. Bhd.”

The company reassures its followers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly. Updates regarding the progress of account recovery and any further developments will be communicated in due course.

LRT Collision Lawsuit Trial Dates Confirmed for January 2028

Florence Lee, who filed a lawsuit after sustaining severe injuries in an LRT train collision near the Kampung Baru station in Kuala Lumpur three years ago, will have to wait until January 2028 for the case to proceed to trial.

According to FMT, at a case management session in the Kuala Lumpur High Court last week, Justice Shahrir Salleh scheduled trial dates from Jan 10 to 13, 2028.

Lee’s lawsuit, initiated in December last year, names Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, the owner and operator of the LRT system, as defendants. She alleges negligence and breaches of statutory duty by the defendants, seeking to recover RM113,524.08 in special damages, including medical expenses and general damages.

The collision, occurring on May 24, 2021, along the Kelana Jaya line, resulted in physical and mental injuries to Lee, including nervous shock, mental depression, pain, suffering, and loss of amenities, from which she claims she has been unable to fully recover.

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Counterfeit Windshields Worth RM140,200 Confiscated in Raids

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) conducted raids on four premises in Petaling Jaya and Kepong on May 9th, resulting in the seizure of 153 vehicle windshields suspected to be counterfeit.

Datuk Azman Adam, the Director-General of Enforcement at KPDN, revealed that the raids were prompted by complaints from registered trademark owners and initial investigations. Further scrutiny of the premises uncovered the suspected counterfeit vehicle windshields, allegedly bearing trademarks improperly under the Trademarks Act 2019.

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