Local News Archives

Sime Darby Racing Team Returns to Compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024

Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, is gearing up for its second consecutive year participating in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024 (PCCA) following a successful debut season. Partnering with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM), Sime Darby Racing Team will compete in the PRO category with driver Nazim Azman at the helm, aiming to continue Porsche’s motorsport legacy while nurturing local talent in motorsport.

In the upcoming 21st season of PCCA, all drivers will compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) cars, ensuring equal technical standards across the field. Sime Darby Racing Team is poised to build on its achievements from the previous season and establish itself as a formidable contender in this prestigious Asian one-make series.

Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance, expressed pride in the team’s commitment to empowering local talent in motorsport and their eagerness to bring forward the learnings from the previous season to the 2024 season.

Nazim Azman, the Malaysian race driver representing Sime Darby Racing Team, also highlighted the pride he feels in driving the 911 GT3 Cup car with its Malaysian batik-inspired livery, symbolising a connection to home while racing internationally.

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Continental Tyres Launches High Performance Sporty Tyre Tailored for Asia Pacific Drivers

Continental Tyres has introduced the MaxContact MC7 tyre, a high-performance tyre designed to meet the needs of drivers in the Asia Pacific region. Developed by a team of engineers and material experts, the MC7 offers precise steering, dynamic handling, and maximum control for urban driving.

The MC7 prioritises control and stability, enabling drivers to make sharper turns and navigate corners with confidence. The Cornering Macroblocks and ReFlex Compound work together to maximise the contact area with the road, ensuring a stable and controlled drive.

Safety is a key focus of the MaxContact MC7, particularly in wet weather conditions common in the APAC region. The tyre features 3D Laser-cut Sipes for enhanced grip and braking performance on wet roads, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. The silica technology in the ReFlex compound improves braking distances on both dry and wet surfaces.

Additionally, the MaxContact MC7 offers a quieter driving experience, thanks to the upgraded Two-in-1 Noise Breaker 3.0, which minimises sound waves and reduces noise in the car cabin.

The MaxContact MC7 is part of Continental’s Gen7 product lineup, representing the latest generation of tyre technologies tailored for APAC drivers. Available in sizes ranging from 16” to 21”, the MC7 is designed to provide exceptional performance and driving experiences for customers across the region.

Demands for Stronger Measures Against Negligent Parents in Child Seat Safety

Child rights activists, parents, and officials are calling for stricter actions against parents who do not ensure their children are belted up in cars or seated in appropriate child car seats. This demand follows the circulation of a viral video showing a man driving without a seatbelt while a child was not in a car seat.

According to MalaysiaKini, Dr. Hartini Zainudin, a child activist, stresses the need to issue fines against negligent parents to promote responsible behaviour and ensure compliance with traffic laws and safety regulations.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously mandated the usage of child restraint systems (CRS) in private vehicles in 2020. Despite an initial period of public education, activists now advocate for enforcement, including fines, under the Road Transport Act 1987.

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smart #1 Secures Third Position in Malaysia’s Growing EV Market

smart #1, the flagship EV model from PRO-NET, has made a significant impact in the Malaysian EV market, securing its position as the third-ranked EV SUV priced above RM180k. This achievement highlights smart’s popularity and success in the premium EV segment, a testament to its innovation and customer-centric approach.

The exponential growth of the Malaysian EV market underscores the increasing demand for sustainable mobility solutions. In this landscape, smart has emerged as a frontrunner, capturing the trust and preference of Malaysian consumers.

The success of smart #1 can be attributed to its exceptional performance, evident in its record-breaking sales figures and consistent ranking among top contenders in the premium EV SUV segment. Features like the Brabus model have further enhanced its appeal, showcasing exceptional performance and quality.

Several factors contribute to smart’s achievements, including its premium brand DNA inherited from Mercedes-Benz, unique selling propositions such as comprehensive charging solutions, and advanced driver assistance features. smart Malaysia’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled customer experience, exemplified by initiatives like the Hello smart app and seamless service offerings, reinforces smart #1’s success in the market.

Furthermore, smart Malaysia’s collaboration with stakeholders and expansion of its dealer network demonstrate its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Malaysian consumers and driving EV adoption nationwide. The establishment of community-centric hubs further underscores smart’s efforts to make EV ownership convenient and accessible across the country.

Peugeot’s Sinar Raya Open House: A Sneak Peek at the All-New Peugeot 408

Peugeot Malaysia is rolling out the red carpet for car enthusiasts with its upcoming “Sinar Raya Open House Weekend” on April 20th and 21st from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During this special event, fans of the French marque can take advantage of incredible rebates up to RM8,000 and even stand a chance to win lucky “ketupats” when they test drive and book the Peugeot 2008, 3008, and 5008.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors will have the opportunity to get an exclusive preview of the soon-to-be-launched all-new Peugeot 408, which will be on display at participating dealerships. This allows enthusiasts to get a sneak peek and learn more about the 408 ahead of its official launch, giving them the chance to place a booking early.

The all-new Peugeot 408 boasts a completely redesigned exterior with a host of new technologies, embodying “The Language of Attraction.” Its unique feline cues and bespoke fastback silhouette hint at the future design direction for Peugeot vehicles. Notably, the 408 is the first model to showcase the brand’s all-new Peugeot logo and features innovative ergonomic seats certified by AGR Germany, complete with a built-in massage function.

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Chery Malaysia Provides Update on Chery Omoda 5 Brake Investigation

Chery Auto Malaysia has provided an update to customers and the public regarding a viral complaint (6 April 2024) circulating online from a Chery Omoda 5 customer. Since the initial report on 6 April 2024, Chery’s customer care team has maintained close communication with the customer, providing regular updates while their skilled technical team conducted a comprehensive investigation into her car’s alleged faulty brakes.

In addition to the internal investigation, the car was sent to Puspakom for an impartial assessment. At Puspakom, a thorough 10-point inspection, including a brake test, was conducted to evaluate various aspects such as efficiency, dynamic imbalance, run-out, residual force, and parking brake performance, ensuring optimal braking capability.

Reports state that all inspections carried out by both Chery Auto Malaysia’s team and Puspakom have yielded no adverse findings. The results confirm that the car is indeed safe, and the brake system meets satisfactory standards, as indicated in the Puspakom test result. The customer has been duly informed of these results, and the team has provided her with a comprehensive report detailing the findings of all inspections conducted.

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Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Is the First Owner of the Hongqi L5

His Royal Highness the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, held a meeting with His Highness Ouyang Yujing, the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, this morning (April 12), focusing on bilateral relations between Malaysia and China and addressing current issues affecting both nations.

During the face-to-face session, His Majesty provided insights on the direction of diplomatic ties between the two countries and emphasised the importance of identifying opportunities for broader cooperation. China holds significant economic influence globally and is a key trading partner for Malaysia. His Majesty expressed hope that Malaysia would capitalise on its unique strengths to enhance trade volume, foster technology exchange, and expand exports to China. Additionally, he encouraged increased investment from Chinese companies in Malaysia, aiming to create more employment opportunities for the nation’s citizens.

In a notable moment during the meeting, His Majesty was presented with the Hongqi L5, a luxury car manufactured in China, making him the first owner of this car worldwide. The Hongqi L5, produced by FAW Group, boasts a retro-style design and is utilised by China’s top leaders for state and diplomatic functions.

For those who may not know, Hongqi is a Chinese premium car brand owned by the FAW Group (First Automobile Works). It was founded in 1958, making it China’s oldest passenger automobile brand. Hongqi is a Chinese word that means “red flag.”

The L5 looks like a mix of a 1940s lowrider and a modern Rolls-Royce. This new version takes inspiration from the British-made Rolls-Royce and is said to be more imposing and pricier.

They made some updates to make the new L5 different from the 2014 model. It has a taller chrome grille, a new front bumper with different lights, and a lower black grille with a chrome piece in the middle. The retro-style headlights from the old model blend in nicely. The L5 has a cool two-tone white and blue paint job that grabs attention.

Inside, the L5 mixes old and new styles. The dashboard has three big screens, but the steering wheel only has two spokes. Even though there are lots of screens, Hongqi kept some traditional buttons on the console and dashboard.

It is equipped with a V8 4.0-litre turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 382hp.

Garbage Truck Collision: Driver Claims Brake Failure

The driver of a garbage truck involved in an accident claims to have experienced brake problems before losing control of the heavy vehicle, which subsequently collided with 14 cars along the Federal Highway yesterday.

As reported by NST, Assistant Commissioner S. Vijaya Rao, the Klang Utara police chief, stated that to verify the 41-year-old driver’s claims, the lorry will be sent to Puspakom for inspection.

The incident occurred at 2:33 pm at the traffic lights of Federal Highway and Shahpadu Highway from Shah Alam towards Kapar. Initial investigations revealed that the heavy vehicle collided with the 14 cars that were queued at the traffic light junction.

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42 Buses Restricted, 77 Buses Penalised in Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024

In the 2024 Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri implemented nationwide since April 1, a total of 42 buses have been issued Vehicle Use Prohibition Notices (PG1) for violating technical regulations. Datuk Lokman Jamaan, the senior enforcement director of the Road Transport Department (JPJ), announced that these buses were identified from 3,799 buses inspected at 54 bus depots and 28 bus terminals. The detected buses committed various dangerous technical offences and were prohibited from operating, ensuring the safety of passengers.

According to Bernama, action was taken against 77 buses, with 47 receiving summonses for various offences, including lacking a Competent Driving Licence (CDL) and driver misconduct such as using mobile phones while driving. Additionally, six bus drivers from Sarawak, Kelantan, Perak, and Kedah were suspected of consuming prohibited substances based on failed urine tests and were consequently banned from driving.

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Kelantan Receives RM83.5 Million for Road Infrastructure Maintenance

On April 2, the Federal government allocated RM83.5 million to Kelantan for road infrastructure maintenance works. Datuk Dr. Izani Husin, the chairman of Kelantan Public Works, Infrastructure, Water, and Rural Development committee, announced that the allocation would be utilised to repair damaged roads identified throughout the state, with the project expected to be completed by June.

According to Bernama, Dr. Izani mentioned that although the allocation was slightly lower than last year’s RM104.4 million, it would still be effectively utilised to repair damaged roads across all districts following Aidilfitri. The allocation would particularly focus on periodic paving in the Gua Musang district, with an estimated cost of about RM10.7 million covering 11 roads.

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Local News

Sime Darby Racing Team Returns to Compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024

Continental Tyres Launches High Performance Sporty Tyre Tailored for Asia Pacific Drivers

Demands for Stronger Measures Against Negligent Parents in Child Seat Safety

smart #1 Secures Third Position in Malaysia’s Growing EV Market

Peugeot’s Sinar Raya Open House: A Sneak Peek at the All-New Peugeot 408

Chery Malaysia Provides Update on Chery Omoda 5 Brake Investigation

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Is the First Owner of the Hongqi L5

Garbage Truck Collision: Driver Claims Brake Failure

42 Buses Restricted, 77 Buses Penalised in Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024

Kelantan Receives RM83.5 Million for Road Infrastructure Maintenance

Sime Darby Racing Team Returns to Compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024

Continental Tyres Launches High Performance Sporty Tyre Tailored for Asia Pacific Drivers

Demands for Stronger Measures Against Negligent Parents in Child Seat Safety

smart #1 Secures Third Position in Malaysia’s Growing EV Market

Peugeot’s Sinar Raya Open House: A Sneak Peek at the All-New Peugeot 408

Chery Malaysia Provides Update on Chery Omoda 5 Brake Investigation

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Is the First Owner of the Hongqi L5

Garbage Truck Collision: Driver Claims Brake Failure

42 Buses Restricted, 77 Buses Penalised in Ops Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2024

Kelantan Receives RM83.5 Million for Road Infrastructure Maintenance

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