SISMA Auto, a leading multi-brand premium automotive group, has unveiled its state-of-the-art flagship Volvo 3S centre in Sungai Besi, Malaysia. Known as Wisma SISMA Auto, this purpose-built facility spans four storeys, covering an impressive 55,000 square feet, and comes at a cost of RM30 million.
The Wisma SISMA Auto facility embodies the Volvo Retail Sustainable Experience, integrating a range of sustainable initiatives. These include rainwater harvesting, solar energy utilisation, an energy-efficient insulated shell facade design, energy-efficient lighting and ventilation, and a focus on maximising greenery on-site. Moreover, the facility incorporates Volvo’s latest sustainably sourced and produced furniture.
Hyundai Motor Company launches the “Go Far with Zero Worries” Ioniq 5 ASEAN Tour, covering an exceptional 2,751km route across Southeast Asia. The Flag Off Ceremony occurred at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) on November 20th and will conclude at Ho Chi Minh City’s Royal Palace in Vietnam on November 30th.
The convoy, consisting of three cars from HMGICS and two from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI), showcases the Ioniq 5’s reliability, eco-friendliness, and long-distance capabilities. The journey spans five different countries in Southeast Asia, commencing in the vibrant city of Singapore and weaving through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and concluding in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—an EV tour featuring the most visited countries in Southeast Asia.
Exciting news for Malaysian Tesla enthusiasts—the upgraded Tesla Model 3 “Highland” is en route to Malaysia, with an expected arrival at Port Klang this coming weekend. The vehicle carrier vessel, named “Procyon Leader,” departed from Shanghai’s Nangang Terminal on November 19, carrying 1,200 Model 3s, including the anticipated upgraded version.
This marks the official delivery of Tesla models by Tesla Malaysia since its debut in the country in July. The larger Tesla Model Y was available for booking in July, with deliveries scheduled for early 2024. Tesla Malaysia has shown flexibility by allowing customers to switch their orders without forfeiting the RM1,000 non-refundable booking fee.
BYD has unveiled its latest offering, the Sea Lion 07, marking its entry into the mid-size urban electric SUV segment. Revealed at the 2023 Guangzhou International Auto Show, the Sea Lion 07 signifies BYD’s intent to compete with Tesla in a new automotive category.
Designed under the leadership of Wolfgang Egger, former chief designer at Audi and Lamborghini, the Sea Lion 07 showcases a distinctive five-spoke design inspired by sea lions jumping into the water. The unveiling follows a teaser campaign by BYD in the lead-up to the auto show.
Part of BYD’s Ocean series, which includes the Dolphin hatchback and Seal sedan, the Sea Lion 07 is set to define a “new” style within the series and will introduce a new sub-brand of EVs. The dimensions of the Sea Lion 07—4,830 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and 1,620 mm in height—position it as a competitor to Tesla’s Model Y (length – 4,760 mm, width – 1,921 mm, height – 1,624 mm).
Built on BYD’s e-platform 3.0, the Sea Lion incorporates the 8-in-1 electric powertrain, with BYD claiming improvements in range, safety, and performance in low temperatures. While detailed interior photos and technical specifications are yet to be released, reports suggest it will be available in single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive configurations.
In China, the Sea Lion 07 is priced from 200,000 yuan (approximately RM130k), making it a competitive option against the Tesla Model Y, which is priced at 266,400 yuan (RM173k) in the Chinese market. Given the fact that we have a model from BYD’s Ocean series, the Dolphin, the Sea Lion 07 could potentially enter the Malaysian market, where the Model Y is already available starting at RM199k.
BYD has been experiencing substantial success in the EV market, having sold over 165,500 fully electric vehicles in October alone and surpassing 1.2 million EVs sold in the current year. The company is aiming to close the gap with Tesla, which delivered 435,059 vehicles in the third quarter, and BYD came within 3,500 units of surpassing Tesla’s Q3 deliveries with 431,603 EVs. The introduction of the Sea Lion 07 reflects BYD’s ambitious plans to further challenge Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market.
The Malaysian Highway Authority has officially announced the opening of Section 6 of the West Coast Expressway (WCE), effective from 12:01 a.m. on November 21, 2023. Simultaneously, the Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, declared toll payment exemption for users, starting midnight tonight and lasting until January 2, 2024.
Stretching from the North Bukit Raja Interchange to the Assam Jawa Interchange, Section 6 of the WCE establishes a direct link between Kapar and Assam Jawa. This new segment is anticipated to significantly reduce travel time, offering a swift 15-minute journey compared to the existing route, which takes 45 minutes.
Geely’s highly anticipated Zeekr 007 electric sedan has entered pre-sales in China, boasting impressive specifications and cutting-edge features. Priced at 229,900 yuan (approximately RM149k), the Zeekr 007 is set to redefine the electric sedan landscape.
Under the hood, the Zeekr 007 4WD packs a powerful punch with up to 636hp and an impressive acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.84 seconds. The entry-level variant with a single e-motor in the rear axle has 415hp that does 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds. The 007 comes with two range options: 688km (CLTC) and 870km (CLTC).
