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BYD Expands Global Reach With Fleet of Eight Car Carriers

BYD has now completed its very own shipping fleet, marking another major step in its global expansion. The eighth and final vessel, the BYD Jinan, officially went into service last week, giving the Shenzhen-based automaker an annual transport capacity of more than one million cars.

What’s remarkable is how quickly the fleet came together. The first ship, BYD Explorer No.1, was only delivered in January 2024. In under two years, the company has built up a full fleet of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) car carriers, each designed to handle between 7,200 and 9,000 vehicles depending on size.

The line-up now consists of BYD Explorer No.1, Hefei, Changzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Changsha, Zhengzhou and the newly launched Jinan. While Jinan is just starting operations, the other ships are already moving cars across the globe. For instance, BYD Hefei is currently unloading in Europe before heading back to China, Xi’an is due in Barcelona this week, while Shenzhen and Changsha are en route from China to Europe.

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Honda Malaysia Marks 25 Years with “Because of You” Campaign

Honda Malaysia has launched its 25th Anniversary “Because of You” Campaign, running from 1 October to 31 December 2025. The three-month initiative includes a lucky draw with prizes worth up to RM1 million and a range of exclusive programmes offering customers additional rewards.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Narushi Yazaki, said the year marks a significant milestone for the company since its establishment in 2000. He noted that Honda Malaysia’s progress has been defined by both achievements and challenges, with the company guided by its “Challenging Spirit.”

He expressed gratitude to customers for their continued trust, to the government for its support, and to dealers and stakeholders for their role in helping Honda maintain its position as the top non-national passenger vehicle brand for 11 consecutive years. The anniversary campaign, he said, is Honda Malaysia’s way of thanking Malaysians.

As part of the campaign, customers stand a chance to win six Honda models in the lucky draw: the WR-V RS, City RS, City Hatchback RS, Civic RS, the new HR-V V variant, and the CR-V e:HEV RS. Honda Insurance Plus (HiP) rebates are also part of the prize pool.

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Proton e.MAS 5 Bookings to Open on 4 October with Livestream Event

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a wholly owned subsidiary of Proton, has confirmed that bookings for the new Proton e.MAS 5 will begin on Saturday, 4 October 2025. The launch will take place through a special livestream event running from 8:00pm to 10:30pm.

The session will be hosted by lifestyle influencers Boss James, recognised for his work in the automotive industry, and Malaysian actress Norreen Iman. The programme will include interactive discussions, live product demonstrations, and electric vehicle insights from motoring experts.

A key highlight of the livestream will be the long-awaited announcement of the car’s estimated price. The event will be broadcast on Proton e.MAS’s official social media channels as well as those of the hosts and invited industry experts, ensuring broad reach and opportunities for real-time engagement.

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DBKL Weighs Outsourcing Abandoned Vehicle Disposal

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is considering outsourcing the removal and disposal of abandoned vehicles to licensed scrap metal dealers in a bid to ease overcrowding at its depots and reclaim public parking spaces.

Its three depots — in Taman Connaught, Salak Selatan and Pantai Sentral — have already reached their combined capacity of 3,700 vehicles. According to The Star, cars are now being stacked on top of each other to make room.

DBKL spends millions of ringgit each year towing these vehicles but recovers only about RM300,000 annually through auctions. The financial strain is worsened by legal processes that can take more than six months per case.

By law, DBKL must issue several notices, verify vehicle ownership with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and wait months before holding its annual auction, which typically clears between 500 and 1,000 vehicles.

Under the proposed outsourcing plan, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s aide Alice Lan said discussions were underway to allow scrap metal dealers to manage both towing and legal disposal.

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MG Motor Malaysia Announces New Pricing for MG4, Promotions Across EV and Petrol Line-up

MG Motor Malaysia has introduced new pricing for its all-electric hatchback, the MG4, positioning it as one of the most accessible rear-wheel-drive EVs in its segment. The MG4 Lux is now priced at RM100,888, the MG4 Lux Extended at RM128,888, and the high-performance MG4 XPower at RM138,888. The revised pricing translates into savings of more than RM28,000 for buyers.

The MG4 line-up caters to different types of drivers. The MG4 Lux focuses on everyday practicality, the Lux Extended is aimed at those who want greater driving range, while the MG4 XPower is designed for performance-oriented customers. All variants retain the model’s distinctive design and technology while offering a driving experience rooted in MG’s British heritage.

The revised pricing reflects MG Motor Malaysia’s strategy to make EVs more affordable in the local market. To add further value, each MG4 purchase includes either a complimentary 7kW AC wallbox charger or charging credits. Savings on these ownership perks amount to RM10,000 for the MG4 XPower and Lux Extended, and RM7,000 for the MG4 Lux.

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From Sim to Sepang: Porsche Esports Winners Put Their Skills to the Test

The virtual world met the real thing when Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official representative of Porsche in Malaysia, gave podium winners of the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia 2025 a taste of life behind the wheel of real cars. The event took place at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit, where the country’s best Esports racers traded their simulators for Cayennes, 911s, and even all-electric Porsches.

For Porsche, motorsport is more than a sport — it’s a defining part of the brand’s DNA. The company has long viewed simulation racing as an important step in driver development, and now, Esports is opening the door for a new generation of talent.

Through the Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia, young racers get a genuine platform to test their passion and possibly take their first steps into real-world competition. The goal, Porsche Malaysia explained, is not just to deliver a fun experience but also to spark ambition, whether in the simulator or on the track itself.

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Inflated Pre-Sale Numbers in China’s Auto Market Raise Industry Concerns

China’s car market may be the biggest in the world, but the pressure of competition has brought some questionable tactics into play. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, certain carmakers have been exaggerating pre-sale orders to create the impression of strong demand, a move that could mislead both consumers and investors.

According to Reuters, The Xinhua Daily Telegraph reported that some companies went as far as asking their own employees to place refundable deposits, while others turned to what it called a “grey industry chain” that specialises in artificially boosting order books. These inflated figures, the report added, are rarely verified by third parties and often end up being far higher than the actual number of cars delivered to customers.

This practice has already raised eyebrows among regulators. In September, China’s industry ministry announced a three-month campaign to clamp down on false marketing and other irregular online activity in the automotive sector. Industry insiders admit that the trend is becoming a problem, with concerns that it could damage the sector’s long-term credibility.

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CATL to Begin Mass Production of Sodium-Ion Batteries in 2026

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) has confirmed that it will begin large-scale production of its next-generation sodium-ion batteries next year. The new cells are designed to deliver a driving range of around 500 kilometres while being cheaper to manufacture and less damaging to the environment.

Unlike conventional lithium-based batteries, the new technology relies on sodium, an abundant material that is easier to extract. CATL has not yet disclosed which car manufacturer will be the first to adopt the batteries.

The company highlights several advantages of the sodium-ion technology. Production costs are lower, the carbon footprint is reduced, and the batteries are classified as more environmentally friendly. They are also capable of both fast charging and rapid discharging, while offering stable performance in a wide range of conditions. Importantly, sodium-ion batteries are considered safer than current mainstream chemistries.

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Porsche Previews the Cayenne Electric Interior Ahead of Global Debut

The upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric, scheduled to debut at the end of 2025, introduces a new interior concept that emphasises comfort, digital functionality, and personalisation. At the centre of this update is the Flow Display, the largest screen ever fitted to a Porsche, integrated into a cabin designed to merge sport-focused design with advanced digital systems.

According to Markus Auerbach, Director Interior Design at Style Porsche, the goal was to combine traditional Cayenne design cues with Porsche’s new “Digital Interaction” approach. The Flow Display, a curved OLED panel, forms the basis of this system, offering a clean, seamless interface for vehicle controls and infotainment. Alongside this, new features such as electrically adjustable rear seats, heating for surfaces like armrests and door panels, and customisable Mood Modes expand the model’s scope of comfort and usability.

All passengers benefit from increased cabin space and new comfort options. The standard-fit electrically adjustable rear seats can switch between comfort and cargo positions, while Mood Modes adjust interior light, sound, climate, and seating settings for relaxation or focus. A panoramic roof with Variable Light Control adds further versatility: its glass surface, the largest ever installed in a Porsche, can transition between clear, matte, or two semi-transparent settings.

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Tyre Smuggling Scandal Uncovered in Malaysia, RM350 Million in Losses Estimated

A complaint from an Italian tyre manufacturer has set off a major investigation into large-scale tyre smuggling and forged import documents in Malaysia. The case, now known as “Ops Grip,” has already led to raids across multiple states and the seizure of thousands of tyres suspected to be counterfeit or undeclared.

According to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the probe began after a European tyre maker raised concerns over fake products and suspicious import patterns. He confirmed that Italy was among the countries affected but stopped short of naming other sources. The seized tyres are currently undergoing checks to verify their authenticity.

The operation was carried out by the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF), which brought together the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Customs Department. Teams swooped down on six warehouses and container sites in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor, where they uncovered 17,672 tyres. These are now being cross-checked with international brands to confirm their legitimacy.

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