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Toyota Research Institute Finds Behavioural Science Can Boost EV Charging Habits

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has revealed new research showing how behavioural science can play a major role in improving electric vehicle (EV) charging habits, ultimately cutting carbon emissions more effectively. The studies, carried out in both the United States and Japan, tested a prototype app called ChargeMinder, designed by TRI’s Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence division.

Instead of relying purely on technology, the research highlighted how subtle behavioural nudges can change the way people interact with their vehicles. In the U.S., plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivers increased their charging frequency by around 10% thanks to targeted interventions.

Meanwhile, in Japan, both PHEV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) users shifted a significant portion of their charging to hours with the highest renewable energy supply — nearly 59% more than before — which translated to about 30 minutes of extra daytime charging per vehicle each day.

Beyond the environmental benefits, the experiments also improved driver satisfaction. In the U.S., PHEV owners reported a 16-point increase in satisfaction levels, with every participant ending up fully satisfied with their vehicles.

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BMW X5 to Arrive with Five Powertrain Choices, Including Hydrogen

BMW is preparing to roll out the latest generation of the X5, and this time it will come with more drivetrain options than ever before. Buyers will be able to choose between battery electric, plug-in hybrid, petrol, diesel, and, for the first time, hydrogen fuel cell. It will make the X5 the first model in the brand’s line-up to feature the full range of propulsion technologies in a single series.

Alongside the car, BMW is also pushing its Hydrogen Mobility at Scale (HyMoS) programme, aimed at expanding hydrogen refuelling networks in large cities. The pilot phase is starting in Germany, before moving into France and later other markets.

The plan was presented in New York by Joachim Post, BMW AG’s Board Member for Development. He explained that hydrogen plays a crucial role in the shift to low-carbon mobility and confirmed that BMW intends to move both the technology and its infrastructure forward.

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Tun Mahathir Shows He’s Driving Strong at 100, Cruising EKVE in Proton e.MAS 7

On Saturday, 20 September, motorists on the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) witnessed a striking sight, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, at 100 years old, confidently behind the wheel of the Proton e.MAS 7. Even as he approaches a century in age, the former Prime Minister looked comfortable and in command of Proton’s first mass-market electric vehicle.

Drivers who recognised him along the highway waved in respect, a small gesture reflecting the enduring admiration many Malaysians hold for him.

For Tun Mahathir, this was more than just a leisurely drive. His connection with Proton runs deep, going back to the 1980s when he spearheaded the national car project as part of his wider vision for Malaysia’s industrialisation.

It was under his leadership that Proton was established in 1983, with the first Saga rolling off the line in 1985. Over the decades, he has often been seen in Proton cars, treating them not as ceremonial symbols but as everyday vehicles. That bond between statesman and carmaker has never really faded.

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Two Generations of Porsche 911 S/T United by Colour and Craft

Two versions of the Porsche 911 S/T, separated by more than fifty years, now share the same garage: the original 1972 race car and the modern reinterpretation from 2024. Both are finished in Light Yellow, paint code 117, a colour that ties their very different stories together.

The first car began life as a 911 2.5 S/T and famously won its GT class at the 1972 24 Hours of Le Mans. What happened afterwards is less certain. By the time it was discovered decades later in a barn near San Francisco, it was a wreck. Rust, accident damage, and layers of poor repainting had erased almost all traces of its past.

The last documented race was in May 1975 at Riverdale, with Don Lindley driving. After that, the trail disappeared until 2008, when clues pointed to its survival. In 2013, a Swiss collector travelled to California to recover what was left of the car and entrusted the restoration to Porsche Classic in Stuttgart.

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BHPetrol Lubricants Earn SIRIM Certification, Rollout of Genuine Product Labels Begins

Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn. Bhd. (BHPetrol) has taken a big step forward in strengthening consumer confidence, as its range of lubricants has now been officially certified by SIRIM QAS International. The recognition comes in the form of the SIRIM Genuine Product Licensing Certification, awarded under licenses PG000056 and PG000057.

This certification applies across BHPetrol’s core lubricant lines – SynGard passenger car motor oils, Trans commercial vehicle and diesel engine oils, and Dash motorcycle oils – ensuring that each product meets strict quality, safety, and performance standards. The move also aligns with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s enforcement measures, which require all engine oil products sold after 7 October 2025 to carry proper SIRIM certification labels.

With certification in place, BHPetrol will soon begin rolling out official light green SIRIM QR code stickers on all newly manufactured and packaged certified lubricants. For products already in storage, light pink QR code stickers will be distributed to business partners. Through its sales representatives, BHPetrol will help coordinate the distribution of these stickers and provide support to ensure smooth implementation across its dealer network.

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GWM WEY G9: Premium MPV Set to Enter Malaysia

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is preparing to launch the WEY G9 in Malaysia, marking the brand’s first premium new energy MPV for the market. It also becomes the first Chinese premium MPV of its kind to be locally assembled, with pricing confirmed to come in below RM300,000. Beyond Malaysia, right-hand-drive versions of the G9 will also be exported to regional markets including Thailand and Indonesia.

The arrival of the G9 expands GWM’s Malaysian line-up, which already features the HAVAL H6 HEV, the rugged TANK 300 and 500 HEVs, and the fully electric ORA Good Cat and ORA 07. The MPV fits neatly into the company’s “All Scenarios · All Powertrains · All Users” strategy, bringing a mix of advanced safety, practicality, and luxury aimed squarely at Malaysian families.

The model’s name is steeped in meaning. The “G” represents generational love, while “9” stands for unity and wholeness within the family. “WEY” itself pays tribute to brand founder Jack Wey. True to its “mobile living room” tagline, the G9 aims to transform family journeys into experiences that are both comfortable and connected.

Safety has been built into the very core of this MPV. It recently secured a 5-star C-NCAP safety rating thanks to a series of robust measures. The MPV employs a triple high-strength steel safety cage with more than 81% high-strength steel, ultra-high-strength 2000 MPa A- and B-pillars, reinforced third-row seatbacks, and innovative adhesive blocks to boost rigidity. The roof alone can withstand 12 tonnes of pressure.

To further protect occupants, side curtain airbags stretch over 3.1 metres to cover all three rows and remain inflated for six seconds during severe collisions or rollovers. Impact energy is channelled through a clever four-longitudinal, seven-cross chassis structure, while the battery pack goes through no fewer than 89 test scenarios.

With four-layer side impact protection, six-layer underbody shielding and advanced thermal and water resistance, the system is designed to cope with extremes.

Performance has not been overlooked. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine working with a dual-motor hybrid setup and a 4-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission. Together, the system generates 442PS and 642Nm, enabling the G9 to sprint from 0–100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 200km/h.

Efficiency is equally impressive, with an electric-only range of 170 km (NEDC) from a 44.2kWh battery and a total range of up to 1,000km. Fuel consumption is rated as low as 1.2 litres per 100 km. Charging is quick too, taking 26 minutes for 30–80% on DC fast charge or 6.5 hours using AC.

Inside, the cabin has been designed to deliver first-class comfort. Nappa leather zero-gravity seats come with ventilation, massage, and a one-button reset function. A 12.5-litre refrigerator sits between the seats, offering both heating and cooling, and is practical enough to store drinks, medication, or even cosmetics.

Drivers are met with a two-spoke steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that runs on GWM’s latest Coffee OS 3.

Flexibility is another highlight, with second- and third-row seats sliding on integrated tracks. With all seats in place, the boot holds 233 litres, but folding them down frees up a cavernous 1,725 litres.

The G9 measures 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,900 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm, which makes this bigger than a Toyota Alphard. Customers can choose from exterior colours of grey, black, or white, paired with interior trim in either brown or black.

Bookings are already being taken at selected dealerships nationwide, with the official launch set to take place soon. By pricing the WEY G9 below RM300,000 and combining safety, technology, and genuine luxury, GWM looks ready to raise the bar in Malaysia’s MPV segment.