English Archives

Piston.my

English

Number Plate Trick To Hijack Cars Revived?

We are all aware of this tactic that was used before where carjackers would drive past you holding your number plate, indicating that it had fallen off and when you pull over, they hijack your car.

Well, it was unheard of for quite some time. However, NST reports that recently, a message warning women drivers of this old-fashioned practise has been making the rounds on social media, specifically WhatsApp.

According to this theory, the auto thieves would follow the victim’s car to a parking lot and wait for them to get out. After that, they take the licence plate off and wait for the victim to come back.

As soon as the victim drives off, they would once again trail the victim, try to pass them and hold out the dismantled licence plate as if they had found it. When you do pull over, these armed auto thieves will intimidate you before stealing your vehicle. Or according to the message, they might even kidnap you.

The WhatsApp message noted that because such a method is well-planned and executed quickly, it hardly ever arouses suspicion from other passing drivers.

The message also stated that it should be passed around to warn people about this tactic that is apparently making a comeback.

So far, there have not been any reports regarding this matter besides the ones that have happened in the past. A carjacking incident recently took place in June and three men were arrested, but this was due to money lending issues.

But for safety’s sake, we would like to warn drivers not to fall for this number plate tactic. If you happen to come across carjackers like these, just keep driving to the nearest police station where it is safe to get out and check on your vehicle.

Toyota Corolla-Based Pickup Truck Under Consideration

Although it won’t be available until 2027, Toyota is considering extending its model lineup with a Corolla-based unibody truck. In the American market, the model will compete with the Ford Maverick and the more specialised Hyundai Santa Cruz in the compact truck market.

No company has yet dared venture into the compact truck segment in Malaysia, but with models becoming more popular elsewhere, and with pick-up trucks getting more expensive in Malaysia, there is just a glimmer of possibility.

(more…)

Mazda’s Future Sports Car To Be Hybrid With Swappable Batteries

A hybrid powertrain system for a potential future sports car has been patented by Mazda with the United States Patent Office (USPTO). A rotary engine, three electric motors, and a bank of interchangeable batteries are all described in the patent as part of the system. This innovative technique promises to increase the car’s range while preserving its lightweight construction.

(more…)

2024 Lexus RX 450h+ Gets 56km Of Electric Range

With a sufficient electric driving range for commuting and the safety of an internal combustion engine (ICE) when the battery runs out, plug-in hybrids are a step towards full electrification for those who aren’t ready to embrace electric cars. Recognising this and in line with Toyota’s multi pathway move towards efficient mobility, Lexus has introduced the RX 450h+.

According to Lexus, the RX 450h+ has a combined fuel economy rating of 35 km/l and 56 km of all-electric driving range.

(more…)

Proton Maintains Sales Growth As Of July 2023

Proton continued its impressive sales trend in July with 13,326 (domestic + export) units sold, building on a solid first half of 2023. The amount represents a 16.1% rise over July 2022 and contributes to year-to-date (YTD) sales of 90,647 units, the company’s first breach of the 90,000-unit threshold since 2012 and a 26.6% increase over the prior year. Market share for July is anticipated to be 20.5%, bringing the year-to-date market share to 21%.

The success of Proton is set against a background of rising vehicle sales, with total industry volume (TIV) for July predicted to reach 64,864 units. This raises the monthly total by 29.9% over the corresponding month in 2022 and raises the year total by 12.9%. As a result, Proton’s sales performance through July of this year had been 14% better than the industry average.

(more…)

Pininfarina Unveils The Pura Vision SUV Concept

Pura is the Italian word for “Pure” and that is what the design language of this concept brings. Prior to this, Pininfarina unleashed a 1874hp electric hypercar called the Battista. No, it wasn’t named after the WWE Superstar but they both share a similarity of being powerhouses.

Italians take into consideration of every design element that goes into making a car or an SUV. The Pura Vision is a perfect example of that. When was the last we saw whitewall tyres? The Pura wears them and it doesn’t look bad at all. It somehow blends in with the simple, yet futuristic design.

(more…)

Driving And Motorcycle Licence Theory Tests Merged Beginning September

A new rule that will be put into effect on September 15 2023, will eliminate the need for learners to take separate examinations to get a motorcycle and driving licence.

According to Anthony Loke, the minister of transport, this choice was taken in response to public comments and demands. This process was once used, however, it was later modified to the one that is now in use. But it has now been decided to go back to the previous course of action.

However, applicants will need to go through separate circuit and on-the-road exams for motorbike and car licences. As a result, people who already hold a motorbike licence will no longer need to take a theoretical test, but they will still need to pass a circuit and road test in order to get their driver’s licence.

According to Loke, the curriculum for driving lessons will be integrated, and candidates will study motorbike and car handling theories at the same time. The public will gain from this new rule since they won’t have to take another set of six-hour sessions in order to obtain their licences.

Subaru Motorsports USA Reveals New WRX Rally Monster

The all-new WRX rally car from Subaru Motorsports USA is unveiled for the American Rally Association (ARA) Championship’s Open 4WD division. As we all know, Subaru no longer takes part in the World Rally Championships (WRC) and they haven’t been involved since 2008. However, it continues to take part in regional competitions like the ARA.

(more…)

Volkswagen Replaces The “I” In GTI With A Lightning Bolt

Volkswagen values the GTI name highly, thus it looks like that the acronym’s meaning will need to change as a result of the new emblem seen above. As is already public knowledge, Volkswagen plans to convert its entire line-up to fully electric models soon. Currently, GTI refers to “Grand Touring Injection,” with the final component clearly referencing fuel injection. As such, that name may have to change, or does it?

However, Volkswagen will update the GTI emblem, adding a lightning bolt in place of the last letter. No, it does not mean “The Flash”, it simply means that the GTI moniker will live on in this new electric era. Does this mean that the GTX designation that high-performance VW EVs now carry may be dropped?

(more…)

KKR To Launch Campaign On Road Infrastructure Safety

Under the Madani framework, the Works Ministry (KKR) will start a nationwide campaign focusing on road infrastructure safety and accompanying equipment, such as lamps and signage.

The programme will also include attempts to address additional problems with road equipment in addition to the primary problem of damaged or pothole-filled roads.

In Malaysia, the issue of potholed roads, infrastructural issues, issues with lamps, and issues with signs are nothing new. Nanta Linggi, the works minister, stated that road users routinely raise this issue to the media and on social media. This is one of the things he has been underlining to everyone in the ministry ever since he set foot in the KKR.

In order to track potholes on federal roads in Peninsular Malaysia using an app for smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers, JKR also developed a pothole monitoring application system (ASaPP) in 2021. Any complaints regarding pothole repairs will be recorded in the ASaPP system, which is accessible to all parties concerned, and any discovered potholes will be promptly repaired and reported there.

Further details on the campaign will soon be available.