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Range Rover Seized at KLIA for Lack of Import Permit

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Central Zone recently confiscated a Land Rover Range Rover SV Auto luxury car at the MasKargo Complex, Free Commercial Zone (FCZ), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The car, valued at nearly RM2 million, was seized due to its absence of an import permit (AP).

Norlela Ismail, Assistant Director General of Customs for the Selangor Central Zone, disclosed that customs officers inspected the car at around 4 pm at the complex. Suspicions arose regarding its importation without an AP from the Ministry of Trade and Industry Investment (MITI).

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Nissan and Mitsubishi Partner to Develop Pickup Truck for the American Market

Nissan recently unveiled a bold strategy aiming to introduce 30 new vehicles globally within the next three years, with seven of these vehicles destined for the U.S. market. This ambitious plan also emphasises strengthened collaboration with partners, particularly within the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance.

Collaboration with Mitsubishi is set to yield several new vehicles for North America, including a jointly developed 1-ton pickup truck manufactured in Mexico. While it remains unclear if this pickup is part of the seven vehicles slated for launch in the U.S., producing it in Mexico would circumvent steep tariffs, potentially facilitating its sale in the American market.

Initially, the new pickup is expected to feature petrol engines, but there are considerations for future versions to incorporate plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains. Nissan and Mitsubishi have separately hinted at their work on electric trucks, with Nissan unveiling the Surf-Out electric truck concept in 2021.

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Hyundai Introduces Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car for Professional Racing

Hyundai is venturing into the realm of electric professional racing with the introduction of the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car, a high-performance version of the Ioniq 5 electric SUV specially designed for competitive racing.

The Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup car underwent significant modifications to meet the demands of professional racing. Its front end features a new design with a larger lip and prominent dive planes, while new over-fenders enhance its aerodynamics. A massive rear wing adds to the car’s racing aesthetic and downforce capabilities.

To reduce weight, Hyundai made several adjustments. The Cup car sheds weight by replacing heavy components with lighter alternatives. This includes swapping the bulky 21-inch wheels for lightweight 18-inch forged wheels fitted with motorsport slicks. Glass windows are replaced with lighter polycarbonate versions, and the hood is replaced with a fibreglass-reinforced plastic one. This allowed the weight to drop from 2222kg to 1973kg.

Inside, the interior is stripped down to essentials, with unnecessary features removed. The car retains only a single bucket seat for the driver, along with an FIA-compliant roll cage and fire extinguishers for safety.

Despite the weight reduction, the powertrain remains unchanged. The dual motors deliver the same 641hp as the road car, drawing power from the standard 84.0 kWh battery. The car retains the rapid charging capability of the standard model, allowing for a charge from 10-80 per cent in just 18 minutes.

The eN1 Cup car incorporates adjustable suspension with two-way dampers and a high-voltage shutoff for enhanced performance and safety. Hyundai also introduces the e-Shift programming from the Ioniq 5 N, adding a unique element to the driving experience with simulated torque interruptions during gear changes.

The eN1 Cup car will make its racing debut at the Inje Speedium circuit in South Korea on April 27, participating in the inaugural eN1 series. This new racing series features open regulations, allowing teams to choose their tyres, and offers a mix of one-on-one knockout races and traditional sprint races for diverse competition styles.

Hot Wheels Launches Flippin Fast for Autism Acceptance Month

Mattel, Inc. has unveiled the Hot Wheels Flippin Fast die-cast vehicle, a new addition designed to promote an open-ended play experience, just ahead of Autism Acceptance Month in April. The Flippin Fast die-cast car sparks the challenger spirit as one of Hot Wheels’ most versatile vehicles, offering kids a wide range of motion reminiscent of a fidget toy. Children can enjoy rolling it forward, backwards, and even flipping it upside down.

In collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit organisation led by individuals on the autism spectrum, Hot Wheels ensured that the design and features of the Flippin Fast die-cast meet the needs of all Hot Wheels fans, including those who may benefit from an open-ended, soothing, and sensory play experience.

While the Flippin Fast die-cast vehicle is suitable for children ages three and up, ASAN’s seal on the packaging indicates that it meets the unique play needs of the autism spectrum community.

Mattel has a longstanding partnership with ASAN, collaborating to validate and inform the development of various toy products and characters across its portfolio of brands. This partnership aims to create more inclusive and accessible products that engage consumers more intentionally.

The Hot Wheels Flippin Fast is now available at retailers nationwide for $1.25 (RM5.90), offering children of all abilities a fun and engaging play experience.

UMW Toyota Announces Order Books Open For The All-New Hiace Super Long Wheelbase

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the commencement of order-taking for the all-new Toyota HiAce Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB) Window Van, a highly anticipated addition to the HiAce lineup that sets new standards in spaciousness and performance for utility vehicles. The new HiAce offers outstanding efficiency, safety, and a seamless driving experience.

The new Toyota HiAce SLWB stands out with its imposing size, stretching to an impressive length of 5,915mm. With a width of 1,950mm and a height of 2,280mm, the van significantly exceeds its predecessor in size. The elongated wheelbase, now extending to 3,860mm, provides a spacious interior, enhancing passenger and cargo comfort for long journeys. The increase in dimensions, including a length expansion of 1,220mm, width increase of 255mm, and height rise of 300mm, not only offers more interior space but also enhances stability and driving dynamics. This improvement in size and design underscores the HiAce SLWB’s evolution, ensuring comfort and efficiency for every journey and reflecting its leap towards enhanced practical utility.

At the core of the HiAce Super Long Wheelbase is the potent 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine, delivering 177PS at 3,400 rpm and torque of 450Nm between 1,600 to 2,400 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed Automatic transmission with Sequential Shift, this engine ensures smooth acceleration and superior handling for a van of its size.

Other notable features such as the Sliding Doorstep Lamp and a built-in Front Digital Video Recorder (DVR) underscore Toyota’s dedication to safety and convenience. These additions aim to improve visibility during entry and exit and provide drivers with added security features for peace of mind. Furthermore, the Toyota HiAce SLWB comes equipped with 3-point seatbelts across all seats, prioritising the safety of every occupant during transit.

This latest evolution in the HiAce series promises to establish a new benchmark for 10-seater window vans. The new Toyota HiAce SLWB is tailored for businesses requiring a reliable, spacious, and efficient vehicle, as well as for families seeking a comfortable and secure mode of transportation.

Interested customers are encouraged to experience the new era of utility vehicle performance by booking the Toyota HiAce SLWB. With its superior dimensions, advanced features, and robust engine, the HiAce is poised to become the preferred choice for users seeking reliability and versatility in their commercial operations.

Toyota’s Global Sales Dip 7% in February

In February, Toyota Motor experienced a 7% drop in global sales compared to the same period last year. This decline was primarily attributed to a significant decrease in sales in China, the largest auto market globally, where sales plummeted by 36%. The decline in China was influenced by several factors, including the timing of the Lunar New Year holiday and intense competition in the market, leading to a price war.

While the Lunar New Year holiday fell in February this year compared to January last year, contributing to the decline in sales, Toyota also faced challenges from fierce competition in China’s auto market. However, for January and February combined, the sales decline in China was less severe at 0.7%.

Despite the challenges in China, Toyota saw a 16% surge in U.S. sales and a 14% increase in European sales for February. However, domestic sales in Japan plummeted by a third due to production stoppages at Daihatsu, a small car unit of Toyota, which also faced reputational damage from a safety test scandal reported almost a year ago.