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New Fourth-Generation Kia Picanto Debuts

The new Picanto entry-level hatchback has been unveiled by Kia. The fourth-generation compact car now comes in two different specifications, the base and the GT Line, and has been improved with a fresh appearance and modern technology.

Exterior

It has new headlights with optional LEDs, as well as redesigned front and rear bumpers and features Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’. Although options for 14, 15, and 16-inch alloy wheels are available, the base model comes with 14-inch wheels as standard. Exclusive 16-inch diamond-cut wheels and a rear diffuser are included with the GT Line. Ten paint colours are available, including Iced Illusion and Rich Brown.

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GAC Introduces An Engine That Runs On Ammonia

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC), a state-owned company in China, seems to want to have a go at it all while the rest of the world is moving away from internal combustion engines (ICE) and towards battery electric cars (BEV) or fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) for cleaner emissions.

The Chinese partner of Toyota showcased an ammonia-powered engine as part of its annual technological exhibition. The use of the somewhat hazardous fertiliser as a combustible fuel is not new, but it would be the first outside of the shipping and trucking sectors.

The company views the vile substance contained in urine as a desirable fuel for both practical and environmental reasons. It has intriguing advantages for combustion with fewer greenhouse gas emissions because it only contains hydrogen and no carbon.

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Porsche Backtracks – Petrol Powered Macan To Stick Around For A While

The all-new, fully electric Porsche Macan is scheduled to be introduced in the first half of 2024, although it is possible that the ICE-powered version may continue to be produced for a longer period of time than previously anticipated.

According to reports, Porsche stated that, depending on sales volume over the following two years, it will evaluate its decision to discontinue the combustion-engined Macan in 2025 or 2026.

The production version of the Macan was unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show and 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. Early models included the Macan S and Macan Turbo. The recent model that is available in the Malaysian market is the 2022 Porsche Macan facelift. The standard Macan costs RM433,154, the Macan S starts at RM623,593, and the Macan GTS is the most expensive model, starting at RM786,232.

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Mini Malaysia Announces The Return Of Minifest 2023

Mini Malaysia invites fans of the brand to explore a diverse environment that combines regional music, unique art, entertainment, and treats.

In addition to a historical display of Mini automobiles, Mini will organise its own Mini-styled festival, allowing fans of the brand to forge new bonds over their mutual passion for the Mini nameplate.

Attendees of the festival can expect to have a memorable time experiencing what Mini calls “Big Love and Big Fun” as Minifest is back with a roster of Mini showcases, exclusive test drives, colourful live painting, live entertainment, and interesting workshops.

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China’s GAC Aion Signs MoU With Thailand – Prepares For South East Asia Expansion

The first memorandum of understanding for business cooperation between Aion, the leading manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs) in China, and Gold Integrate, its first distributor outside China, has been inked.

Aion entered the international market and began an exciting adventure to provide top-tier Chinese EV technology to the rest of the globe with the announcement of the opening of a subsidiary in Thailand, according to the firm.

The MoU was signed on June 28 in the presence of a number of dignitaries, including the mayor of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, and a representative of China’s Guangdong Province, Bangkok Post reports.

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VPCM Introduces Assurance Package for IQ.Drive Models – Extends Warranty

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) to give owners the flexibility and security they require.

VAP is applicable to all Volkswagen cars that use IQ.DRIVE, which at the moment only includes the refreshed Arteon R-Line 4Motion and the new Golf GTI.

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Isuzu D-Max Base Variants Now Get High-Spec Features

The Isuzu D-Max pickup truck line now includes reverse cameras as standard equipment, making driving and owning one safer and more convenient. With the addition of this function, parking will no longer be difficult, especially when hauling large loads, which the D-Max is more than capable of doing.

While the top-of-the-line X-Terrain and high-spec Premium variations have benefited from this function since their launch, the entry-level Standard 1.9-litre versions now have it in response to trader requests for the parking aid’s secure use in theirs.

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Proton Partners With Thailand Auto Parts Company

AAPICO Hitech Public Company Limited (Aapico) and national automaker Proton are working together to develop dies, jigs, hot stamping parts, body assembly parts, and chassis components through Aapico’s subsidiary, Advance Vehicle Engineering Global Sdn Bh (AVE Global).

Aapico is one of Thailand’s largest auto parts companies that was founded in 1996 by a Malaysian founder, Yeap Swee Chuan.

As part of the partnership, Aapico will purchase 60% of AVE Global from Proton, with Proton keeping a 40% stake in the business, which will now be known as Aapico Avee Sdn. Bhd.

As part of the cooperation, which became official on June 26, 2023, Aapico will invest RM 40 million in AVEE Global’s 20-acre facility with the intention of expanding it further to meet the rising demand for Proton vehicles as well as the needs of the entire automotive industry. Another RM100 million in investment is planned for 2024, for plant extensions and the acquisition of new machinery.

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F1: Austrian GP Had 1,200 Track Limit Breaches

Several hours after the Austrian Grand Prix, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) handed down 12 penalties to eight drivers following an investigation into new track limit breaches after Aston Martin filed a protest.

Track limits are the white lines that define the border around the outside of a circuit. If a driver crosses the line with all four wheels, they are considered to have violated track limits. Drivers are required to use the track at all times and are not permitted to leave it without a valid reason.

Due to this, 47 laps of the Austrian GP qualifying were discarded due to track limits. Sergio Perez was responsible for three of them after failing to set a competitive lap time in Q2 and missing Q3 for the fourth straight Grand Prix.

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On-Street Parking Can Now Be Paid With Touch ‘n Go eWallet

Users of the Touch ‘n Go eWallet can now conveniently pay for on-street parking in more locations that fall under the 19 enabled councils, with total coverage for the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor regions. The Majlis Perbandaran Klang, Majlis Bandaraya Seremban – Nilai, and Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya are the three newly enabled councils.

For on-street parking in both Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Touch ‘n Go eWallet is the first eWallet in Malaysia to provide comprehensive coverage. By doing this, TNG is dealing with consumer complaints, notably those related to the removal of parking machines.

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