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Zeekr 9X PHEV SUV Debuts in China with 1,381hp and Up to 1,250km Range

Geely’s premium brand Zeekr has unveiled its latest flagship, the Zeekr 9X, in China—a full-size plug-in hybrid SUV packing some jaw-dropping numbers. Launched on September 29, the 9X comes with as much as 1,381hp, advanced air suspension, and a claimed mixed driving range of up to 1,250km.

The reception has been explosive: during its presale, the brand racked up more than 42,000 orders within the first hour.

For context, Zeekr was introduced in 2021 as Geely’s luxury battery-electric brand, but this year marks a big pivot. The company has shifted its strategy to include plug-in hybrids, with the 9X being the first of its kind. Positioned as a halo model, it shows how seriously Zeekr intends to compete in the high-end SUV space.

Measuring 5,239mm long, 2,029mm wide and 1,819mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,169mm, the 9X is actually longer and wider than a Mercedes-Benz GLS. The design follows current Chinese luxury trends with C-shaped LED headlights, a bold grille, and active air intake shutters.

At the back, there’s a large circular taillight unit, and the SUV sits on 22-inch alloys available in different designs. Buyers can choose from five exterior colours: black, white, silver, grey and purple.

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Could Malaysia See a 2026 Toyota Hilux with Standard 2.8-L Turbo-Diesel and Mild-Hybrid?

The Toyota Hilux has long been a familiar sight on Malaysian roads, whether it’s serving as a rugged workhorse for businesses or doubling as a reliable family and lifestyle truck. Toyota Malaysia markets it with the usual emphasis on toughness, durability, and a servicing network that stretches across the country—qualities that explain why it continues to be one of the best-selling pickups in the market.

But if recent leaks from Australia are anything to go by, the next-generation Hilux due in 2026 could be very different from what Malaysians are used to. Documents filed for homologation reveal changes that point to a more powerful and tech-laden truck, though they may come with higher costs and fewer body style options.

According to Drive, the filings, listed under new “GUN2” model codes (the current Hilux runs under “GUN1”), suggest a major reshuffle in the powertrain line-up. Central to this is the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, which could become the standard across the range.

In contrast, the 2.7-litre petrol engine looks set to be dropped, particularly from the lower trims. Another notable omission could be the extra-cab body style, leaving buyers with only single-cab and double-cab choices.

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Toyota and Mazda Reportedly Teaming Up on Next-Generation MX-5 and GR86

Japan’s leading car magazine Best Car has reported that Toyota and Mazda may be co-developing the next generation of the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota GR86. If true, the collaboration would mark a major shift in Toyota’s sports car strategy and ensure the continued future of two of the world’s best-known affordable performance cars.

Toyota and Mazda first entered into a formal partnership in 2015, later strengthening it into a capital alliance in 2017. Beyond vehicle supply arrangements, the two companies have collaborated on electric vehicles and software-defined vehicle development.

Best Car’s October issue notes that the close ties between Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda and Mazda President Masahiro Moro have helped strengthen the relationship. Both executives are long-time drivers with experience in competitive racing, which has shaped their shared perspective on building sports cars.

The MX-5 holds a unique position in the global car industry. Since its introduction in 1989, it has been the world’s best-selling roadster and a catalyst for other two-seat sports cars such as the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, and Audi TT. Meanwhile, the GR86 has carried Toyota’s reputation in the affordable sports coupe segment, originally developed in partnership with Subaru.

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Chery Malaysia Prepares to Launch TIGGO 7 and TIGGO 8 Plug-in Hybrids – Bookings Open

Chery Malaysia is gearing up to expand its line-up with the arrival of two new plug-in hybrid SUVs – the TIGGO 7 PHEV and the TIGGO 8 PHEV. Both models will feature the brand’s latest Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology, which blends efficiency, performance, and safety in a package designed to appeal to Malaysian drivers.

The timing of these new models fits neatly with the government’s ongoing push for greener mobility, backed by policies such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the National Automotive Policy (NAP), and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). By introducing these hybrids, Chery is aligning its efforts with the country’s plans to move towards cleaner and more energy-efficient vehicles while encouraging industrial transformation in the automotive sector.

At the heart of both SUVs is Chery’s dedicated hybrid system, which brings together three major components. The first is the latest ACTECO 1.5 TGDi fifth-generation engine, which boasts a thermal efficiency of 44.5%, helping to deliver both fuel savings and strong power.

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Allianz Rolls Out Cash Rewards for Low-Mileage EV Drivers

Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad has introduced a new way for electric vehicle (EV) owners to turn their green habits into extra cash. Through its newly launched Allianz EV EcoMiles programme, policyholders who drive fewer kilometres in their Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) will be rewarded with up to 15% of their insurance premiums back in cash.

The programme is available to those who insure their BEVs under the Allianz Private Car Comprehensive policy for private use. Once activated via the MyAllianz app, customers can start earning tangible rewards simply by driving less.

Allianz General’s Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang, said the idea behind EcoMiles was to back customers who have already made the switch to electric by recognising their eco-friendly driving habits. He explained that driving a BEV is already a step towards lowering carbon emissions, and with EcoMiles, those who use their cars sparingly—whether working from home or just driving on weekends—will be rewarded even more.

The initiative is designed to encourage sustainable lifestyles while giving something back to drivers who contribute to reducing their carbon footprint. According to Allianz, customers driving up to 10,000 kilometres per year will receive 15% of their net basic premium as cash, while those covering between 10,001 and 15,000 kilometres will get 10%. The net basic premium refers to the premium amount after the No Claim Discount (NCD) has been deducted.

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MACC Probes Alleged Irregularities in Malaysia’s Tyre Industry

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched a probe into possible misconduct within the tyre industry, with investigators said to be looking at issues ranging from suspected price manipulation to the importation of unsafe tyres.

According to a report by Berita Harian, the investigation is centred on the annual import of up to 300 containers of tyres. Some of these tyres are believed to be unsuitable for local road conditions, raising concerns about public safety.

At the heart of the probe is an estimated RM70 million in lost government revenue each year. This shortfall is linked to unpaid import duties, which include a 40% tariff on tyres shipped in from non-Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) countries and a 10% Sales and Service Tax (SST). Authorities believe roughly 100,000 heavy vehicle tyres brought into Malaysia annually may have bypassed these duties.

When asked about the matter, MACC’s Special Operations Division senior director, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, confirmed that the commission is investigating but declined to disclose further details.

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New Porsche 911 GT3 Makes Malaysian Debut at Sepang – 510PS, 450Nm of Torque!

Porsche Malaysia, under Sime Darby Auto Performance, has introduced the new 911 GT3 at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit.

At the centre of the car is a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six engine producing 510PS and 450Nm. The engine has been revised with sharper camshafts, new cylinder heads, optimised throttle valves, and updated cooling. It meets stricter emissions standards with the addition of dual particulate filters and four catalytic converters, but still retains the high-revving character and distinctive sound expected from the GT3.

Acceleration to 100km/h takes 3.4 seconds with the 7-speed PDK gearbox, or 3.9 seconds with the 6-speed manual. Top speed is 311km/h with PDK, 313km/h with the manual.

The 911 GT3 has undergone significant aerodynamic refinements. At the front, a new diffuser, spoiler lip, and underbody fins improve downforce. Matrix LED headlights with integrated light functions allow for larger air intakes. The rear wing has angled sideplates, and the rear diffuser and lid have been reshaped.

Porsche has carried over suspension technology from the GT3 RS, including double-wishbone front axles with teardrop trailing arms that generate downforce while cooling the brakes. An anti-dive system has been introduced to improve stability under hard braking.

The car comes with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear tyres as standard, with optional road-legal track tyres available. Lightweight design remains a priority: the base car weighs 1,420 kg, with weight savings achieved through aluminium wheels, a lithium-ion battery, and optional magnesium wheels in the Weissach or Leichtbau packages.

Two distinct versions are offered. The GT3 retains its fixed rear wing, while the GT3 with Touring package swaps it for a more understated extendable spoiler. The Touring model also gains a leather-trimmed interior and, for the first time, an optional rear seat system.

Both versions can be further customised with the Weissach package for track use, or the Lightweight package for the Touring, which includes CFRP components and magnesium wheels. The Clubsport package, with roll cage and harness, is offered at no extra cost for the winged GT3.

Inside, the GT3 adopts a two-seat layout with sports seats, though new lightweight CFRP bucket seats are available. The cockpit design is familiar from the 911 range but includes GT-specific details such as a rotary ignition switch, Track Screen display mode, and optional roll cage. For drivers planning frequent circuit use, Porsche has added details like removable headrest padding for helmet clearance.

Porsche Design has also created GT3-specific chronographs available exclusively to owners. These watches feature titanium cases, flyback chronograph movements, and design cues drawn directly from the cars, including dials and rotors styled after GT3 instruments and wheels.

The Porsche 911 GT3 and GT3 with Touring package are now available in Malaysia, with prices starting at RM2,290,000.

Touring Package

China to Impose Export Controls on EVs from 2026

China has confirmed it will be placing export controls on pure electric passenger cars from 1 January 2026, a move aimed at bringing order to an increasingly chaotic EV market at home while addressing rising criticism abroad.

The announcement came jointly from the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the customs administration and the market regulator. Officials explained that the measure is intended to ensure the “healthy development” of the new energy vehicle trade. Under the new system, EV exports will require a licence, issued in line with rules first introduced back in 2012. Cars will also have to undergo customs inspection before leaving the country.

China’s EV makers have been leaning heavily on overseas sales as domestic competition intensifies. Companies like BYD have ramped up exports sharply, with the brand reporting that shipments of new energy vehicles in August were two and a half times higher compared to the same month last year. For Chinese carmakers, foreign markets have become a vital lifeline.

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Nissan and Dongfeng Pump RM676 Million into New Off-Road SUV Venture

Nissan is strengthening its position in China’s SUV market with a fresh collaboration alongside Dongfeng Motor Group. Together, they will be investing around RM676 million into a new company dedicated to building and selling off-road SUVs.

According to details released, Dongfeng Motor will take the largest share at 40%, while Dongfeng Nissan – the existing 50:50 joint venture between the two companies – will secure roughly 10%. Two other companies based in Xiangyang, Hubei province, are also set to participate. The agreement will run for 20 years, although the new firm’s official name and the timing for its first product launches remain under wraps.

Dongfeng Nissan’s share of the contribution is expected to come mostly in the form of assets rather than cash. This includes dies, production lines, and other equipment, along with development systems and intangible resources. There is also the possibility that Dongfeng Nissan could play a direct role in vehicle production once the new company is operational.

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Chery Teases All-New Tiggo 8 SUV Ahead of Q4 Launch in China

Chery has pulled the covers off the official images of its all-new Tiggo 8, a mid-size SUV aimed squarely at family buyers. Bigger and more refined than the current Tiggo 8, the new model adopts a fresh design language, offers a five-seat layout, and is set for its official debut in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Tiggo 8 nameplate has been a core part of Chery’s line-up, and the family already includes five different variants in China – the Tiggo 8 Plus, Tiggo 8L, Tiggo 8 Zhuoyue Edition (Excellence), the 2025 Tiggo 8 Pro, and the Tiggo 8 Plus CD-M. Demand for the SUV remains strong, with Chery shifting 15,695 units in August alone.

For the upcoming model, buyers will get the choice of two distinct front-end styles. One mirrors the Tiggo 8 Plus, pairing split headlamps with a polygonal X-matrix grille.

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