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The New BMW M2 has an Extra 20hp and New Shiny Silver Wheels!

BMW has unveiled the latest updates for its high-performance M2, showcasing significant power enhancements, striking design updates, and innovative new features.

Performance Upgrades

The new BMW M2 now boasts an additional 20hp, bringing the high-revving six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology to an impressive 480hp. The peak torque remains at 550Nm, but this figure rises to 600Nm with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Enhanced accelerator mapping and response in all drive modes enable more rapid reactions. Consequently, the 0 to 100km/h acceleration time is now just 4.0 seconds with the standard transmission and 4.2 seconds with the optional six-speed manual gearbox.

Design Enhancements

M-specific design features geared towards optimising cooling and aerodynamic balance accentuate the car’s aggressive stance. A large horizontal BMW kidney grille and a three-section split lower air intake optimise cooling for the powertrain components and brakes. Model-specific LED headlights positioned towards the outer edges of the front end, featuring single circular units for both low and high beams, pay homage to the classic BMW 02 models. Available options include Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays.

The new BMW M2 is fitted as standard with M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design with a Jet Black finish, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. A new addition to the options list includes M light-alloy wheels in a Silver finish, which can be combined with track tyres if the optional M Race Track package is specified.

Interior and Technology

The most important interface between the driver and car, the steering wheel, has been newly designed, bringing a fresh look to the interior. The standard-fitted M leather steering wheel now has a flat-bottomed rim, a red center marker, gearshift paddles, and the two M buttons for selecting individually configured vehicle setups, all contributing to an intense racing car feel. An M Alcantara steering wheel with an optional heating function is also available.

Optional M Sport seats in Vernasca leather now come in a red/black bi-colour variant. Additionally, weight-minimized M Carbon bucket seats, previously only available with the M Race Track package, can now be ordered separately.

The cockpit features a fully digital screen grouping, made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, running on the latest BMW Operating System 8.5. The functions of the climate control system are now operated digitally, accessible via touch using a special menu option in the lower area of the control display or by voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Exterior Paint Options

Customers can order their new BMW M2 in a choice of three solid colours, five metallic shades, and six BMW Individual paint finishes. The expanded range includes the new Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic variants. Additionally, the selection of BMW Individual paint finishes for the new BMW M2 now also features Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto, and Twilight Purple.

BMW’s latest updates ensure the new M2 not only delivers superior performance but also stands out with its bold design and advanced features, reaffirming its position as a leader in the high-performance compact segment.

Peugeot Malaysia Announces Extended Warranty Packages

Peugeot Malaysia has introduced an upgraded warranty package for all new Peugeot models, effective immediately. Customers purchasing new Peugeot models will now benefit from a comprehensive 5-year warranty or 150,000km coverage, whichever comes first.

Details of the New Warranty Package:

Standard Coverage: The new 5-year warranty includes a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty plus an additional 2-year extended warranty. This extended warranty is designed to match the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty, providing consistent and comprehensive coverage for all new passenger vehicles.
Extended Warranty Option: Customers can further extend the warranty to 7 years or 200,000km. This optional 2-year extension offers an additional layer of protection. It can be purchased within the first 90 days at a promotional price or up to 90 days before the initial warranty ends at the regular price.

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Subsidised Diesel Reimbursement Applications Open July 1

Eligible participants of the second phase of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS 2.0) who have not received their fleet cards can apply for reimbursements starting July 1, according to FMT. The Finance Ministry has announced that these applications must be submitted via the Budi Madani portal, with applicants required to keep their receipts for audit purposes.

Registration Deadline and Application Process

To qualify for reimbursements, applicants must be registered under SKDS 2.0 by June 30 at the latest. The Finance Ministry has urged companies already registered under the system to apply for their fleet cards as soon as possible through the provided portal.

Temporary Measure for Smooth Transition

Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan emphasised that the government is closely monitoring the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy system to ensure a smooth transition. “These reimbursements are a temporary measure to help logistics service providers so that they are not affected by the change in diesel prices,” he stated.

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JPJ Officer Faces Charges of Bribery Totalling RM3,300

Saibullah Zaid Abdul Halim, a 46-year-old assistant enforcement officer at the Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ), has found himself entangled in legal proceedings following allegations of corruption as reported by The Star. The charges against Saibullah, who resides in Sungai Jawi, Penang, were brought forth before Sessions Court judge Datuk Ibrahim Osman today, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

Accusations suggest that Saibullah accepted bribes totalling RM3,300, as per charges filed under Section 165 of the Penal Code. These alleged bribes were purportedly received from Badrul Hisyam Hamid, a director at a transportation company, via bank transfers from an account belonging to Fatimah Abdullah into the account of Saibullah’s wife, Hazirah Ismail. The transactions in question reportedly occurred between October 4, 2017, and March 29, 2018.

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Malaysia Airlines Reveals New A330neo Cabin Features – 4K Screens for Economy and Business Classes

In a move to upgrade its fleet, Malaysia Airlines is introducing the new Airbus A330neo, which will boast enhanced cabins for both business and economy classes.

Overview of the Airbus A330neo

Set to replace the A330-200 and A330-300 models, the next-generation Airbus A330neo will soon join Malaysia Airlines’ lineup. The airline has ordered 20 A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, with three expected to enter service within the year. This aircraft recently won a bronze award for Cabin Concept of the Year 2024 at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

Economy Class Upgrades

Passengers in economy class will enjoy significant improvements, including 13.3-inch 4K in-flight entertainment screens, upgrading from the 11-inch 1080p screens on the A350-900. The seats, crafted by Recaro, provide ergonomic support, coat hooks, cup holders, and ample storage space. The cabin will feature 269 seats, with 24 offering extra legroom, arranged in a 2-4-2 layout.

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New Mini Cooper 5 Door Joins the Mini Family with 204hp

A few months after the introduction of the new Mini Cooper 3 Door, the five-door version has been added to the lineup. The Mini Cooper 5 Door promises the brand’s trademark driving enjoyment, additional space, and unique functionality, combining traditional and modern styling with innovative assistance systems.

With dimensions of 4,036mm in length, 1,744mm in width, and 1,464mm in height, the new model maintains a compact footprint while maximising interior space for five passengers. The wheelbase is 72mm longer, and the body is 172mm longer than the 3-door variant, enhancing comfort and space for occupants. The design features short overhangs, clear surfaces, and distinctive accents, giving the car its characteristic Mini charm.

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Apple Unveils Enhanced CarPlay with Deeper Vehicle Integration

Apple has announced significant updates to its CarPlay system, slated for release later this year. The latest iteration will offer automotive manufacturers the opportunity to seamlessly integrate vehicle functionalities into Apple’s software, promising a more immersive and brand-consistent experience.

During the recent World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple elaborated on the design and features of the next-generation CarPlay. The updated system will allow vehicle interior designers to craft custom graphics, logos, and instrument cluster layouts that align with their brand’s identity.

Key enhancements include a host of new applications aimed at expanding vehicle control capabilities within the CarPlay ecosystem. Drivers will now be able to adjust settings such as drive modes and assistance features directly from a dedicated app in CarPlay. The familiar home screen will also be upgraded to include climate control buttons and temperature shortcuts.

Electric vehicle owners will benefit from pop-up notifications providing charge status and remaining charge times. The updated CarPlay will also support integration with rear-facing cameras and other park assist features.

Although an exact release date has not been confirmed, Apple emphasised that the new CarPlay will render content from both iPhones and the vehicle itself, ensuring a seamless display of information across multiple driver screens in modern cars.

The level of vehicle data integrated into CarPlay will vary based on the information automakers are willing to share with Apple. Therefore, the user experience will differ depending on the vehicle brand. Aston Martin and Porsche have already showcased previews of the enhanced CarPlay in their upcoming models, suggesting these brands may be among the first to feature the new system.

Dinamikjaya Motors Launches Second BEV – The Kia EV9

Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd has officially unveiled its second Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in Malaysia at The Exchange TRX. The Kia EV9, now available for booking at a starting price of RM368,888.00, marks the first automotive launch at this world-class experiential lifestyle destination located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s international financial district, the Tun Razak Exchange.

The Kia EV9, which debuted in March 2023, has already earned international acclaim, winning prestigious awards such as the 2024 World Car of The Year and the Best of the Best Award in the Cars and Motorcycle category by Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024.

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Diesel Vehicle Sales Anticipated to Drop by 50%

The sales of diesel vehicles, particularly pickup trucks, are anticipated to drop by over 50% due to the introduction of floating fuel prices. Used car sales advisor Khairil Anwar Jaafar, 45, noted a significant slowdown in sales over the past month, with potential buyers adopting a wait-and-see approach.

As a result, Khairil’s company has decided to temporarily stop accepting diesel-engine vehicles. “The decline in sales has been noticeable for more than a month, even before the announcement of targeted diesel subsidies. We have about 15 to 20 diesel vehicles that remain unsold,” he said.

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UMW Toyota Motor Sees Strong Sales and Community Engagement in May 2024

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) reported a successful month in May 2024, achieving total monthly sales of 8,422 units for both Toyota and Lexus brands with the Toyota Vios and Corolla Cross being the two best-selling models. This brings the total year-to-date sales to 39,211 units.

Commitment to Community and Environmental Sustainability

UMWT remains dedicated to community engagement and environmental sustainability, as demonstrated by its various initiatives. The 23rd Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is a key example. This national-level program empowers students aged 13 to 17 from 16 schools across Malaysia. The initiative promotes Toyota’s 8 Steps Problem-Solving Method (PSM) to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Since its inception in 2001, the TEY program has engaged over 300,000 students from 521 schools, fostering a legacy of environmental stewardship. TEY 2024/2025 offers cash prizes totalling up to RM80,000, incentivising innovative solutions and aligning with UMWT’s environmental action plan to achieve zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

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