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BYD ATTO 2 Launches in Malaysia – Priced at RM100,000!

The BYD ATTO 2, a compact electric SUV crafted for a new generation of drivers, has officially made its Malaysian debut. Unveiled by BYD Sime Motors—the official distributor of BYD vehicles in the country—the ATTO 2 signals the brand’s ambition to redefine electric vehicle (EV) ownership for first-time buyers and younger consumers seeking a lifestyle-friendly, zero-emissions solution.

At the heart of the launch is BYD’s vision to make advanced EV technology accessible and exciting. Described as a dynamic blend of innovation and practicality, the ATTO 2 brings together expressive design, practical features, and a comprehensive support ecosystem. With a starting price of RM100,000, the model is positioned as an entry-level option that doesn’t compromise on performance or personality.

The BYD ATTO 2 is powered by a 174hp electric motor delivering 290Nm of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. Paired with BYD’s in-house 51.13 kWh Blade Battery—renowned for its durability and safety—the compact SUV boasts a range of up to 410km (NEDC cycle). Charging is made convenient with AC (Type 2, 7kW) and DC fast-charging (CCS2, up to 82kW) capabilities.

The SUV’s bold exterior design incorporates sculpted lines and short overhangs, while its confident stance is complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels. Available in three youthful exterior tones—Ski White, Breeze Green, and Harbour Grey—the ATTO 2 features an all-black interior to accentuate its refined, tech-forward cabin.

Inside, the cabin continues the theme of digital sophistication and comfort. Premium synthetic leather seats, front seat ventilation, a wireless charging pad, and a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display headline the feature set. The infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via wireless or wired connections.

Safety remains a central pillar of the ATTO 2’s proposition. The SUV is equipped with six airbags, a 360-degree view camera, and a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping functions, enhancing both driver confidence and on-road security.

In terms of practicality, the ATTO 2 offers up to 1,320 litres of boot space with the rear seats folded. It also supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing users to power external devices—ideal for camping or work scenarios.

BYD Sime Motors is backing the ATTO 2 with a robust ownership package aimed at easing the transition to EVs. The company’s “Easy Ownership Package,” offered to the first 800 customers, includes a combination of financial incentives and charging solutions. For RM0 instalment for the first 6 months, the Atto 2 is 100% yours. Notably, customers living in landed homes receive a complimentary wall charger, while those in high-rise residences can opt into the Sime Platinum 4+ Package by Power Up—a 12-month mobile charging subscription with added perks such as handwashing, vacuuming, and emergency rescue.

Additionally, the SUV comes with a comprehensive warranty package: six years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, eight years or 160,000 km for the Blade Battery, and eight years or 150,000km for the electric drive unit. Complimentary accessories include a Type 2 charging cable with a three-pin plug and a V2L adapter.

Beyond product features, BYD Sime Motors is investing in infrastructure to support the country’s EV growth. With 35 operational BYD outlets—26 of which are 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres—the company aims to expand to 60 outlets by 2026. A partnership with Power Up also enables doorstep EV charging, a first for Malaysia’s industry and a practical solution for urban dwellers in condominiums and apartments.

This launch marks the ATTO 2 as BYD’s first vehicle designed specifically with younger, urban drivers in mind. It joins a growing Malaysian portfolio that includes the ATTO 3 Ultra, Seal, Sealion 7, Dolphin and the spacious M6 MPV. Together, these models represent BYD’s evolving product ecosystem tailored for a wide range of lifestyles and life stages.

Great Wall Motor’s First Supercar to have a 4.0L V8 Plug-in Hybrid?

Great Wall Motor (GWM) has officially revealed a glimpse of its first-ever supercar, marking a bold entry into the high-performance automotive segment. Unveiled by Chairman Wei Jianjun on the company’s 35th anniversary, the yet-to-be-named model is set to feature a self-developed 4.0-litre V8 engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system, positioning it as a formidable contender against BYD’s all-electric Yangwang U9.

The teaser image, shared on Wei Jianjun’s official Weibo account, showcases the prototype cloaked in a black film, with the GWM chairman and company executives gathered around it. Though heavily covered, the car’s long proportions, sloped bonnet, and muscular rear haunches suggest a mid- or rear-mounted engine layout. Prominent air intakes situated in front of the rear fenders reinforce expectations of a performance-focused design. The only difference between the U9 and this is that this does not feature the huge swan neck spoiler.

The supercar has been in development for several years, with reports tracing its origins back to 2021. GWM formally committed to the project in January 2025, during its general meeting, which also marked the initiation of a new luxury division internally codenamed “BG”. That same month, the company filed a new trademark, “自信汽车” (Zixin Qiche or “Confidence Auto”), with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), signalling a new direction under a premium sub-brand.

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Kia Unveils India-Built Carens Clavis EV – 168hp, 490km Driving Range

Kia Corporation has officially introduced the Carens Clavis EV, its first electric vehicle manufactured in India, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s electrification strategy. Designed specifically to address the evolving needs of emerging markets, the new electric recreational vehicle (RV) fuses Kia’s advanced EV technology with practical design and lifestyle-centric features.

The Carens Clavis EV represents Kia’s vision of inclusive and accessible electric mobility. With a focus on versatility, everyday comfort, and adaptability, this SUV-inspired RV is geared towards both urban commuters and families seeking a capable electric vehicle for longer journeys. Offering a refined blend of practicality and innovation, the Clavis EV sets out to make electric driving a seamless part of daily life.

The Carens Clavis EV is offered with two battery configurations: a 42 kWh unit delivering a certified range of 404km (ARAI, full MIDC cycle), and a larger 51.4 kWh pack extending range to 490km. Both versions are capable of charging from 10% to 80% in 39 minutes using a 100 kW DC fast charger. Customers can choose between two electric motor outputs, delivering either 132hp or 168hp and 255Nm of torque, ensuring ample acceleration even under full load.

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BMW M Commits to Performance Amid Tougher Euro 7 Emissions Standards

BMW M has confirmed its commitment to maintaining high-performance powertrains in the face of the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which will come into effect with significantly more stringent testing conditions. The new rules, although keeping current emissions limits from the Euro 6e standard, introduce a more rigorous set of testing protocols designed to better replicate real-world driving scenarios.

Under these updated requirements, vehicles must now remain emissions-compliant for a full decade or up to 200,000km, doubling the current durability standard. Furthermore, for the first time, emissions from brake dust and tyre particles will also be subject to regulatory scrutiny, expanding the environmental scope of the legislation beyond just tailpipe pollutants.

According to Autocar, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel acknowledged that meeting Euro 7’s technical demands was not the central issue. The primary challenge, he said, lay in preserving the level of performance expected from the marque’s engines.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Continues Reign as Malaysia’s Top-Selling EV

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a subsidiary of Proton, has reaffirmed its dominance in Malaysia’s electric vehicle sector with the continued success of the Proton e.MAS 7. The all-electric SUV maintained its position as the best-selling EV in the country for the sixth month running, having recorded 4,003 cumulative deliveries in the first half of 2025. This performance accounts for a commanding 23.4% share of the national EV market.

The consistent domestic uptake of the e.MAS 7 has been complemented by a growing international footprint. PRO-NET confirmed that 250 units of the model have been exported to emerging markets, including its latest entry into Trinidad and Tobago. These developments point to the e.MAS 7’s broader appeal beyond Malaysia’s borders, reinforcing its role as a viable global contender in the EV space.

The model’s sustained popularity has been attributed to Proton’s steadfast pricing strategy across both e.MAS 7 variants, underlining its long-term value for consumers. Instead of engaging in aggressive discounting tactics, the company has prioritised customer trust and satisfaction.

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Mitsubishi Triton Takes Centre Stage at ‘Live the Drive’ Event in Kota Bharu

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, is bringing its adrenaline-charged “Live the Drive” event to the outdoor car park of AEON Kota Bharu from 25 to 26 July 2025. Running from 10.00am to 10.00pm daily, the event invites the public to experience first-hand what sets the Mitsubishi Triton apart in the competitive pick-up segment.

Central to the event is a purpose-built off-road course designed to highlight the Mitsubishi Triton’s advanced features, including the Super Select 4WD-II system, intelligent seven-drive modes, and an upgraded rigid frame chassis. The demonstration aims to give participants a closer look at how the Triton delivers uncompromised performance, comfort, and control—even in extreme conditions.

A series of off-road challenges will be available to showcase the Triton’s engineering capabilities. Among them is the Uneven Rocky Terrain course, simulating plantation and construction site conditions, where the Triton’s combination of grip control and seat comfort stands out. In the Elephant Steps challenge, the vehicle’s 4LLC low-range gearing is pushed to its limits as it maintains traction even with a lifted wheel.

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Rise in Electric Vehicle Motion Sickness Tied to Sensory Mismatch and Vehicle Design, Say Researchers

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction globally, a growing number of passengers are reporting unexpected discomfort in the form of motion sickness. In 2024, EVs accounted for 22 per cent of all new car sales worldwide, a notable increase from 18 per cent in 2023, yet despite their rapid rise, many users are struggling with the physiological side effects of the EV driving experience.

Across social media platforms and online forums, reports of nausea while riding in electric cars, particularly from passengers in the rear seats, have become increasingly common, according to a report by The Guardian. Researchers are now working to uncover the reasons behind this discomfort, and recent findings suggest there is a scientific basis for the phenomenon.

According to William Emond, a doctoral researcher at the Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbéliard in France who specialises in vehicle-induced motion sickness, the issue stems from a lack of prior experience with the unique motion characteristics of electric cars. The human brain, he explained, relies heavily on learned signals, such as engine revs or vibration patterns, to anticipate acceleration and deceleration. Since EVs operate far more quietly and smoothly than their combustion-engine counterparts, these familiar cues are missing, leaving the brain struggling to interpret motion accurately.

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Lexus Pulls the Plug on LC 500h Hybrid as Coupe Line-Up Heads Towards Combustion-Only Future

Lexus has officially discontinued the LC 500h, the hybrid variant of its flagship grand tourer, marking the end of the model’s run following the 2025 model year. While recent announcements highlighted updates for the 2026 LC 500 coupe and convertible, the petrol-electric LC 500h was conspicuously absent, its quiet departure a reflection of dwindling interest and underwhelming sales.

Industry reports confirm that the LC 500h will not return when the refreshed 2026 LC series reaches showrooms. This decision makes the LC one of only a handful of Lexus models that will not feature an electrified powertrain next year, as the brand continues to expand its hybrid and electric offerings elsewhere in the line-up.

Despite offering clear efficiency advantages, the LC 500h has struggled to find a foothold among buyers. In the first half of 2025, Lexus recorded just seven sales of the hybrid LC, a stark contrast to the 783 units sold of the V8-powered LC 500 coupe and convertible during the same period. Full-year figures from 2024 paint a similarly dismal picture: only 18 LC 500h units were sold compared to 1,446 LC 500s. This weak demand stands out even more considering the broader success of Lexus hybrids across its other model lines.

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Geely to Launch Updated EX5 in China with Extended Range and New Features

Geely Automobile is set to begin presales for the refreshed version of its EX5 electric crossover in China on 24 July 2025. Known domestically as the Geely Galaxy E5, the updated model brings minor design revisions, two new body colours, and a significant battery upgrade that boosts driving range to a claimed 610km on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

The EX5, which debuted in China on 5 July 2024 under the Galaxy E5 nameplate, has rapidly gained traction both domestically and internationally. Within its first year, the model entered over 25 international markets under the Geely EX5 branding. Domestically, the vehicle has accumulated sales of 130,715 units, according to data from China EV DataTracker. On 4 July 2025, Geely International announced that total global sales of the EX5 had reached 150,000 units, highlighting its growing footprint in the electric SUV segment.

For the 2026 model year, Geely has introduced several enhancements to the EX5. While the overall design remains largely unchanged, the latest variant is now offered in two additional exterior colours: Dawn Blue and Evening Forest Green. The model retains its distinctive design cues, including sharp LED headlamps, retractable door handles, and a continuous LED taillight strip. Its dimensions remain at 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

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Chery Unveils Advanced Super Hybrid Technology, Previews Tiggo 7 and 8 PHEV CSH

Chery Malaysia has taken a significant step forward in electrified mobility with the launch of its Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology. This introduction marks a pivotal moment in the company’s push to deliver cleaner, more intelligent, and efficient transportation solutions to Malaysian drivers.

According to Chery Malaysia’s Vice President, Michael Chew, the unveiling of the Super Hybrid platform reflects the brand’s global pursuit of energy-efficient innovation. He stated that the CSH platform is engineered to offer the flexibility of electric mobility, the range assurance of a hybrid, and the dynamic performance associated with Chery vehicles.

The CSH system signifies a major leap in New Energy Vehicle (NEV) development. It fuses the performance capabilities of both Super Hybrid Electric Vehicles (Super HEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) into one integrated solution. The outcome is a powertrain that not only delivers high fuel efficiency but also offers refined driving dynamics, establishing a new benchmark in the hybrid vehicle segment.

Chery’s hybrid technology journey began in 2001 with the establishment of a specialised R\&D division focused on clean energy. More than two decades of refinement have led to the emergence of the fifth-generation CSH, which is now ready for international markets, including Malaysia.