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Rapid KL Extends Operating Hours for New Year’s Eve Celebration

In anticipation of New Year’s Eve celebrations, Rapid KL has announced the extension of operating hours for selected rail transit and bus services until 1:30 am on January 1. This initiative aims to accommodate individuals planning to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

As reported by FMT, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the operator of Rapid KL, shared that the service extension will cover 12 LRT and MRT lines, monorail stations in Kuala Lumpur, three BRT stations, and 21 Rapid KL and MRT feeder bus routes. Notable rail transit routes included in the service extension are the Kelana Jaya LRT line (KLCC and Masjid Jamek stations), Ampang LRT line to Sri Petaling (Masjid Jamek, Bandaraya, IOI Puchong Jaya, and Maluri), KL monorail line (Bukit Bintang), Kajang MRT line (Bukit Bintang, TRX, Cochrane, and Maluri), Putrajaya MRT line (TRX), and Sunway BRT line (Sunway Lagoon, SunMed, and Sun U-Monash).

While some stations will conclude their operations as usual, passengers will have the option to exit from these stations to continue their journeys. Prasarana emphasised the use of Touch ‘n Go cards for a smoother experience and encouraged the purchase of return tokens to reduce queues during the return journey.

To ensure operational efficiency, Rapid KL plans to increase the number of staff and enhance train frequencies. Train frequencies for all services will be increased to eight minutes from 1 pm and further reduced to four minutes from 8 pm until the end of the extended operating hours. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys in advance, utilise electronic payment options, and cooperate with the additional measures implemented for a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration.

8,028 Accidents, 75 Fatalities Recorded Over Christmas

In the aftermath of the recent balik kampung journey in conjunction with Christmas, Malaysian authorities have reported a total of 8,028 accidents, including 75 fatal incidents. The recorded accidents occurred during the period from December 22 to December 26, marking a challenging time for road safety.

According to The Star, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director, Comm Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, provided details on the accidents, revealing that 29 cases involved serious injuries, while 303 incidents resulted in minor injuries. The majority of the accidents were attributed to vehicle breakdowns, accounting for 7,621 cases, while the rest were categorised as minor collisions.

To manage the surge in traffic during the holiday season, the police launched Ops Lancar nationwide, strategically covering congestion hotspots. Comm Mohd Azman highlighted the deployment of personnel on highways, expressways, and various road networks to monitor, assist, and control traffic flow. A total of 77 officers and 731 rank-and-file personnel were involved in these efforts.

Despite the organised measures, the road congestion during the holiday escape was substantial. More than 9.8 million vehicles traversed major highways and expressways during the five-day period, which included the toll-free days announced by the government. The PLUS highway, in particular, witnessed significant traffic, with daily vehicle counts ranging from 1.72 million to 2.03 million.

The Karak expressway and East Coast expressway (LPT1) collectively experienced a total of 1.2 million vehicles during the same period. The data underscores the challenges faced by authorities in managing increased travel during festive seasons, emphasising the need for continued efforts to enhance road safety and manage traffic efficiently.

Xiaomi Steps Into The EV World With The SU7 – Another Tesla Killer?

Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has officially stepped into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of its highly anticipated SU7 sedan. It is positioned as a high-performance electric vehicle, boasting features that could potentially challenge competitors like Tesla and Porsche.

The SU7, short for “Speed Ultra 7,” is available in two variants: a standard rear-wheel-drive model and a Max version equipped with dual-motor all-wheel drive. Xiaomi claims that the vehicle offers acceleration speeds surpassing those of rival EVs. Let’s delve into the key specifications of each version:

Standard Version:

Acceleration (0-100km/h): 5.28 seconds
Top Speed: 210km/h
Horsepower: 200ps
Torque: 400Nm
Recharge Range: 668km

Max Version:

Acceleration (0-100km/h): 2.78 seconds
Top Speed: 265km/h
Horsepower: 673ps
Torque: 838Nm
Recharge Range: 800km

One standout feature of the SU7 is its massive CATL battery, utilising Xiaomi’s proprietary Cell-To-Body (CTB) technology. The battery is integrated into the floor of the car, providing structural rigidity and optimising interior cabin space.

The company claims to have developed advanced technology, including fast-charging capabilities, to mitigate the impact of extreme cold weather on the battery, ensuring sustained performance.

The Xiaomi SU7 is expected to be available for purchase in early 2024, primarily in the Chinese market. The car will be offered in three distinctive colors: Aqua Blue, Mineral Gray, and Verdant Green. Despite the comprehensive unveiling, Xiaomi has not disclosed specific pricing details or detailed plans for international distribution at this time.

The introduction of the SU7 marks Xiaomi’s entry into the highly competitive electric vehicle landscape, joining the ranks of tech companies venturing into the future of sustainable transportation. As EV adoption continues to grow globally, Xiaomi aims to carve its niche with a high-performance and technologically advanced offering.

Petronas Dagangan: Restoration of Diesel Supply Within Next Two Days

Petronas Dagangan Bhd has announced the full restoration of diesel supply at its stations nationwide within the next two days. The company had earlier disclosed a diesel shortage issue affecting several Petronas stations, with the problem expected to persist until December 31, 2023.

Petronas Dagangan expressed appreciation for customers’ patience and cooperation throughout the disruption, reiterating its commitment to providing uninterrupted service.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) Sarawak reported that it had not received information from Petronas regarding the supply disruption affecting stations in Sarawak and Sabah.

KPDN Sarawak stated that its Enforcement Division is actively conducting inspections and continuous monitoring at all petrol stations.

Aito Launches Flagship SUV, the M9, with Huawei Technology

Aito, a joint venture between Huawei and Seres in China, has introduced its flagship SUV, the Aito M9. The large six-seater SUV features modern styling, advanced technology, and entertainment options, showcasing Huawei’s influence.

The M9 includes adaptive matrix LED headlights with projectors for cinema experiences both inside and outside the vehicle. Inside, the dashboard houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central infotainment screen, and a 16-inch front passenger screen, all running on Huawei’s HarmonyOS 4 system. The SUV also features a laser projector and retractable 32-inch panel for rear passengers, providing entertainment options.

The Aito M9’s interior offers a unique configuration, with seats that are electrically operated, providing 14-way adjustment, heating, and ventilating functions. The SUV includes safety features with 27 sensors and the latest Huawei ADS 2.0 system.

Aito offers two powertrain options for the M9: a fully electric version with dual electric motors, 523hp, and a 97.7 kWh battery pack, providing a claimed range of 630km. The range-extender version combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine/generator with dual electric motors and a 42 kWh or 52 kWh battery, offering 490hp a combined range between 1,362-1,402 km.

The Aito M9 is positioned above the existing M5 and M7 SUVs, competing with similarly sized models in the Chinese market, including Li Auto L9, Nio ES8, HiPhi X, and others. The SUV is available for order in China, with deliveries expected in early 2024, priced between 469,800 yuan (RM303,737) and 569,800 yuan (RM368,389).

Daihatsu Faces Potential RM3.2 billion Loss Amid Safety Test Scandal

Daihatsu Motor, a unit of Toyota Motor, is expected to incur losses exceeding 100 billion yen (around RM3.2 billion) due to the safety test scandal that recently surfaced. The estimate includes potential costs from a factory shutdown, compensation to suppliers, and additional expenses related to investigations and safety tests. Daihatsu has temporarily halted production in Japan, and although shipments in Indonesia and Malaysia have resumed, the company faces challenges in negotiating compensation with suppliers and supporting affected dealerships. If the scandal’s impact leads to consolidated losses, it would mark Daihatsu’s first such losses in 30 years.

Japan accounted for about 60% of Daihatsu’s 1.42 million vehicles manufactured in the last fiscal year, playing a crucial role in Toyota’s strategy for minicars in Japan and compacts in emerging markets. Although Daihatsu contributes approximately 3% to Toyota’s total operating profit, a hit of over 100 billion yen could impact Toyota’s earnings. The scandal adds uncertainty to Toyota’s group governance, and Daihatsu may face further penalties, including the revocation of production certifications.

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Tesla Plans Model Y Facelift For 2024

Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai is reportedly gearing up to produce the 2024 refresh of the Model Y, with mass production expected to commence by mid-2024. The new units are set to be manufactured in the upcoming phase of Gigafactory Shanghai, with production temporarily halted for upgrades during the New Year period. Notably, the 2024 Model Y is anticipated to feature substantial changes compared to the October 2023 update, encompassing noticeable alterations to both the exterior and interior. Tesla aims to introduce a fresh wheel design complemented by ambient lighting.

This move aligns with Tesla’s strategy to stay competitive in China’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, where rivals such as BYD and Xpeng plan to unveil multiple new models across different segments in 2024. November 2023 witnessed a 40% surge in new energy vehicle sales in China, encompassing pure electric cars and hybrids, according to China’s Passenger Car Association. Despite the intensifying competition, Tesla’s demand in both China and the United States appears robust, with minor price adjustments made leading up to Christmas, suggesting sustained demand.

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Potential Diesel Shortages in Malaysia

The Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has issued a cautionary statement to consumers, signalling the possibility of diesel supply shortages. According to NST, this comes after Petronas Dagangan revealed that some of its stations might face diesel shortages until Sunday. The issue is attributed to heightened demand, driven by the popularity of low diesel prices, leading to a strain on available supplies. PDAM President Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz predicts broader supply challenges for the petroleum industry, affecting more companies from early January 2024.

Petronas Dagangan, in its recent disclosure, cited the exhaustion of the government’s subsidised diesel quota to petroleum companies as a contributing factor to the supply problem. The surge in diesel usage has been unprecedented, prompting concerns about an industry-wide shortage. Government data indicates a 37.7% increase in diesel consumption from 6.1 billion litres in 2019 to 8.4 billion litres in the past year. The number of registered vehicles using only diesel stands at 2.13 million.

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Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano: A Tribute To The F2004

Ferrari Atelier unveils a limited edition of the 296 GTB Assetto Fiorano, paying tribute to Scuderia Ferrari’s 2004 Hungarian Grand Prix victory with the F2004. Limited to just five units, this special edition features a striking livery combining the metallic Rosso F1 shade with Bianco King White accents.

The design includes the iconic number 1 on the bonnet, reminiscent of Ferrari’s dominance in Formula 1 during that era.

Built on the 296 GTB platform with the Assetto Fiorano package, the special edition maintains the electrified powertrain’s formidable performance. The mid-mounted twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6, combined with an electric motor, delivers an impressive 819hp and 740Nm of torque.

Additional features include carbon fibre elements, Multimatic shock absorbers, optional carbon fibre wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, and distinctive interior details like embroidered headrests depicting the Hungaroring track and the Hungarian flag.

This limited-edition Ferrari serves as a nostalgic celebration of the brand’s historic achievements in Formula 1, offering an exclusive and visually stunning tribute to the F2004’s triumph.

Ferrari has maintained its tradition of exclusivity, limiting the production to just five units. The Italian automaker confirmed that all five of these special editions have been sold to customers in Hungary but did not reveal the pricing.

Reviewed: New Honda CRV 1.5 Turbo – For Those Who Don’t Want a Hybrid!

A recent survey by a global consumer think tank placed Honda as one of the top five most reliable brands in the world. And among all the models under the Japanese marque’s wing, the CRV was hailed as one of the most practical on a global level.

There is no surprise there though as the CRV is one of the most popular Honda’s not only on Malaysian roads, but around the world as well.

The Honda CRV has been locally assembled since 2003 and close to 130,000 units have found a home. And with the launch of the sixth-generation model just around the corner, we think more homes will be welcoming the CRV.

We recently drove the new model prior to its highly anticipated local launch and can say that owners of the current model will not recognize the new CRV except for the badge. Nothing except its practicality has been carried over to the new model.