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Tan Chong Motor Teams Up with GAC Group for Automotive Expansion in Vietnam

Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd’s subsidiary, TC Services Vietnam Co Ltd (TCSV), has inked a significant agreement with Chinese car manufacturer Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd (GAC Group). The deal, formalised on February 2, 2024, designates TCSV as the official agent responsible for importing, distributing, and selling vehicles and spare parts, along with providing after-sales services for fuel vehicles in Vietnam.

Under the terms of the distribution and service agreement, TCSV is granted the authority to conduct retail distribution activities for a variety of automobiles. Additionally, the subsidiary is authorised to deliver automotive maintenance and repair services, as well as spare parts, in adherence to Vietnamese laws and regulations.

This strategic partnership signifies Tan Chong Motor’s continued expansion and influence in the automotive market, leveraging TCSV’s capabilities as the appointed agent for GAC Motor International Co Ltd. As the automotive landscape evolves, this collaboration positions TCSV as a key player in meeting the automotive needs of Vietnamese consumers.

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Lamborghini Unveils Bold Carbon Neutrality Roadmap by 2030

Luxury sports car automaker Lamborghini has announced an ambitious plan to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2030 with its Direzione Cor Tauri strategy. The company aims to reduce enterprise emissions by 40% per car, encompassing the entire value chain, including the Sant’Agata Bolognese production plant.

The strategy, initiated in 2023 with the release of the Revuelto hybrid, will see Lamborghini introducing a hybrid version of the Urus Super SUV and a second High-Performance Electric Vehicle (HPEV) to replace the Huracán in 2024. By 2025, the company targets a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from its vehicle fleet.

In a significant move towards sustainability, Lamborghini plans to launch its first full-electric model, Lanzador, in 2028, followed by a full-electric super SUV in 2029. These additions to the lineup are projected to contribute to an 80% reduction in fleet emissions by 2030.

Rouven Mohr, Chief Technical Officer at Lamborghini, expressed the groundbreaking shift, stating that the electric motor opens up new horizons in terms of dynamics and driving experience.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, outlined the holistic approach of the Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, emphasising not only the decarbonisation of Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese facility but the entire value chain. He urged collective efforts, involving individuals, companies, institutions, and governments, in achieving these sustainability objectives.

Lamborghini initiated its carbon neutrality plan in 2015, focusing on energy-efficient buildings and operational practices. The company emphasises its commitment to environmental sustainability and aims to inspire others to address modern-day challenges.

Proton’s Strong Start to 2024: Best January Sales Since 2013

Proton has achieved its best January sales performance since 2013 by selling 12,882 units (domestic and export). This marks a 1.3% increase compared to December 2023 and a significant 10.3% increase compared to January of the previous year. With this strong start, Proton comfortably retains the second position in the sales table, and its estimated market share for the month is 19.5%, showing a 3.3% increase from the previous month.

The Total-Industry-Volume for January is estimated to be 66,134 units, reflecting a decline of 15.6% compared to December. This drop is attributed to the traditional year-end push for higher vehicle sales in December 2023.

The newly launched Proton S70 has made a notable impact, with 1,442 units delivered in January and over 8,000 bookings. The model has received a positive response from customers and has already made its way to an export market in Brunei, with 15 units delivered ahead of its official launch this month.

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E-hailing Surge Leaves 30,000 Taxis Abandoned

Approximately 30,000 taxis across the country have reportedly been left abandoned as drivers claim to have been forced out of business due to the rise of e-hailing services, as reported by local daily Utusan Malaysia. The publication suggests that the number of taxis in operation has decreased from around 120,000 to just 40,000 since the advent of e-hailing.

While the source of the statistics was not cited, Gabungan Teksi Malaysia (GTSM), a taxi drivers’ group, was quoted by Utusan Malaysia, attributing the decline to the significant difference in fares between traditional taxis and e-hailing services. Kamarudin Hussain, the chairman of GTSM, pointed out that consumers are drawn to the lower fares offered by e-hailing services, placing blame on the government for not regulating e-hailing rates.

Kamarudin expressed concern that the lack of control over e-hailing rates has led to a price war among e-hailing companies, resulting in compromised fares. He argued that when rates become extremely affordable, passengers naturally prefer e-hailing services over taxis.

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TNGD Implements One Per Cent Fee for Credit Card Top-ups on TNG eWallet

Starting from February 23, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd (TNGD) will implement a one per cent fee on all Touch ‘n Go eWallet (TNG eWallet) top-ups made using credit cards. Transactions via debit cards and DuitNow will continue to remain free of charge.

The decision, according to TNGD’s Chief Executive Officer, Alan Ni, is aimed at addressing excessive withdrawals from credit cards to bank accounts and reducing the significant costs associated with credit card transactions borne by TNGD.

Ni emphasised that TNG eWallet users have the option to choose DuitNow for top-ups, which involves fund transfers between banks, providing a balance between convenience, security, and the long-term cost sustainability of the company. He encouraged users to utilise DuitNow or debit cards for top-ups, as both options are free of charge.

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Sergeant Faces Investigation for Cash Possession of RM3,753 During Roadblock

A police officer holding the rank of sergeant is currently under investigation for the possession of RM3,753 in cash during a roadblock (SJR) near a location in Selangor on Sunday.

The examination was conducted by the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) of Bukit Aman at the site of the mentioned roadblock, as confirmed by Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.

The examination took place in the early hours around 2:30 am, targeting several traffic personnel engaged in Operation Alcohol. During the investigation, one of the traffic officers was discovered with a sum of RM3,313 in cash, and further inspection of a vehicle revealed an additional RM440 in cash.

In response to the incident, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that a disciplinary investigation has been initiated. The objective is to identify any potential elements of corruption or violations of prescribed procedures.

He further declared that all personnel involved in this investigation would be suspended from the enforcement unit until the investigation is concluded.