Piston.my

Latest News

Chinese automaker BYD has reported a significant milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) sales, with a record-breaking 3,024,417 new energy vehicles sold in 2023. This figure represents a remarkable year-on-year increase of 62.3%, surpassing the previous year’s sales record of 1,863,494 vehicles.

The impressive growth in sales is attributed to BYD’s commitment to new energy vehicle production, with 3,045,231 units manufactured in 2023—a 62.2% increase compared to the previous year. The commercial vehicle segment played a crucial role, recording sales of 11,511 units, including electric buses, trucks, and other vehicles, experiencing a notable uptick of 88.2%.

In the passenger car business, BYD’s sales reached 3,012,906 units, marking a year-on-year increase of 62.2%. Notably, the sales of pure electric models surged, totalling 1,574,822 units with a robust year-on-year growth of 72.8%. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 52.3% of total passenger car sales, reflecting increasing consumer preference for electric mobility.

 

(more…)

Malaysia has launched the “Kongsi LKM” feature on the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) MyJPJ app, allowing vehicle owners to share their digital road tax with authorised individuals. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the new function, enabling owners to share digital road tax with family members, friends, or other authorised individuals.

According to NST, to utilise the “Kongsi LKM” feature, vehicle owners need to select the vehicle’s license plate number on the MyJPJ app and click the “Kongsi LKM” button. The owner can set a sharing time limit and an activation code, which must be provided to the recipient for activation. The system automatically deletes sharing records if not activated within 24 hours.

(more…)

Starting January 1, 2024, visitors to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations, will experience a change in parking rates. The new rates, announced by Pavilion KL management, reflect adjustments aimed at accommodating operational costs and maintaining the quality of parking services. The revised rates are as follows:

  1. Hourly Parking Rates:
    • Daytime (Before 5 pm): RM4/hour (previously RM3/hour)
  2. Maximum Daily Parking Fee:
    • Daytime (Before 5 pm): RM40 (previously RM30)
  3. Flat Rate After 5 pm:
    • Weekdays: RM10 (previously RM8)
    • Weekends/Public Holidays: No flat rate; RM4/hour (maximum RM40/day)

In addition to these changes, Pavilion KL continues to encourage sustainable transportation options. For those opting for public transportation, Pavilion KL offers a special deal in collaboration with MyCity Pass. Visitors can utilise the MRT to Bukit Bintang for only RM5 per day with the MyCity Pass. This pass provides unlimited access to Rapid KL LRT, MRT, Monorail, BRT, Rapid KL bus, and MRT feeder bus services.

These adjustments in parking rates and the promotion of public transportation options underline Pavilion KL’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and accessible shopping experience for its visitors. As we step into 2024, patrons can anticipate enhanced services and continued efforts to make Pavilion KL a preferred destination for shopping and leisure.

Koenigsegg has just delivered a jaw-dropping Jesko ‘Attack’ to a lucky owner, featuring an exterior entirely clad in glossy exposed carbon fibre with exquisite 24-karat gold leaf accents. Limited to just 125 units worldwide, the Jesko replaces the renowned Agera and has quickly become a coveted hypercar.

Taking inspiration from the iconic Agera RS named ‘Phoenix,’ owned by real estate mogul Manny Khoshbin, this Jesko boasts clear-coated exposed carbon fibre body panels adorned with delicate gold specks. The opulent use of 24-karat gold leaf is evident in various exterior elements, including front canards, wing mirror arms, a central front fascia element, side skirt aerodynamic flics, rear wing endplates, Koenigsegg badges, and roof accents.

This specific Jesko is the ‘Attack’ variant, emphasising track-focused performance with aggressive aerodynamics to enhance downforce. Notable features include an imposing rear wing, an enhanced front splitter, and a distinctive diffuser. Koenigsegg offers an alternative ‘Absolut’ version tailored for high-speed performance, omitting the rear wing and potentially reaching speeds exceeding 480km/h.

Under the Jesko’s hood lies a formidable 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, generating 1,280hp on petrol or an astounding 1,600hp on E85 fuel. The powertrain is seamlessly paired with Koenigsegg’s innovative 9-speed multi-clutch transmission, delivering exhilarating performance to the rear wheels.

Limited production, combined with the exquisite gold-accented carbon fibre exterior, makes this Jesko a true collector’s item, embodying Koenigsegg’s commitment to exclusivity and cutting-edge automotive engineering.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has responded to recent complaints about parking touts near Jalan Sultan Ismail, stating that the car park in question is not free but subject to fees, particularly for valet services after 5 pm, according to FMT.

Contrary to the viral complaint on social media, DBKL clarified that the open car park adjacent to a lane off Jalan Sultan Ismail is under its management, with fees applicable during office hours until 5 pm. After office hours, a private company contracted by DBKL manages eight parking spaces as valet services, for which fees are also applicable.

DBKL emphasised that not all car parks under its purview are free of charge after office hours. The statement highlighted that there are 11 licensed car jockey parking facilities in Kuala Lumpur, and the valet service operator has been directed to display informational signs promptly.

The clarification from DBKL comes after federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa called for strict action against parking touts in Kuala Lumpur. DBKL reassured that it takes the issue seriously and has prosecuted 75 unauthorised jockeys under the Road Traffic Act from last year to date. The enforcement team will intensify surveillance in areas prone to parking touts, such as Bukit Bintang, Jalan Beremi, and Jalan Walter Grenier.

DBKL encouraged the public to use public transport to minimise private vehicle use in the city centre, endorsing initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

In a rare instance where a virtual car rendering transforms into a tangible reality, the Datsun 240Z has undergone an extraordinary metamorphosis into an actual vehicle, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

The concept originated in the mind of Ash Thorp, renowned for designing the Batmobile featured in The Batman movie (2022). Collaborating with Carlos Pecino from Make Haste Corp, the matte black Datsun emerged as the fruit of their partnership, marking their inaugural joint project.

Several design elements set this transformed Datsun apart. Notably, the side cameras, serving as mirrors, are ingeniously concealed within dedicated housings in front of the doors. The rear of the car boasts an immensely oversized diffuser, complemented by carbon fibre wheel caps adorning BBS multi-spoke alloys. The overall styling draws inspiration from the Batmobile, evident in the sharp side skirts.

Under the hood, the original 2.4-litre inline-six engine has made way for a Tesla-derived fully electric powertrain. Power is supplied by a Model S electric motor situated on the rear axle, providing the revamped Datsun with an impressive 401hp, nearly three times the output of the original 240Z. Despite a slight increase in weight to around 1133kg, the car maintains agility.

Inside the car, only a few components hail from the original 240Z, with a custom layout featuring three central dials, a steering column sourced from the Chevy Equinox, a digital instrument cluster, and a substantial centre console.

This real-life manifestation of a virtual concept showcases the boundary-pushing creativity and collaboration within the automotive design realm, bringing an imaginative vision to the streets.

Archive

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on YouTube