Home - Piston.my

Piston.my

Latest News

Hyundai and BAIC Bolster China Joint Venture with $1.1 Billion Investment Amid Sales Decline

Hyundai Motor and BAIC Group are committing $1.1 billion to revive their struggling joint venture, Beijing Hyundai Motor Co., as they aim to reposition themselves in China’s fiercely competitive auto market. The funding is set to stabilize the joint venture’s financial health and accelerate its transition toward electric vehicles (EVs), a segment dominated by domestic manufacturers like BYD.

Facing Challenges in a Shifting Market

Beijing Hyundai has experienced a sharp decline in fortunes, with sales plummeting 41% year-on-year to just 137,300 vehicles through October 2024. This stark drop reflects broader struggles faced by foreign automakers in China, who are losing market share to rapidly rising domestic EV brands.

Financially, the joint venture is in dire straits. Losses amounted to 2.6 billion yuan in the first nine months of 2024, following a 5.4 billion yuan after-tax deficit in 2023. Asset values have also shrunk by nearly 14 billion yuan from the end of 2022 to September 2024, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

(more…)

Farewell to a Legend: Volkswagen Ends Production of Iconic VR6 Engine

After nearly 34 years of production and 1.87 million units, Volkswagen has officially retired its legendary narrow-angle VR6 engine. The final unit of the six-cylinder powerhouse was built on December 12, marking the end of an era for an engine that became synonymous with innovation and versatility.

The Birth of the VR6

Introduced in 1991, the VR6 debuted as a 2.8-litre engine in the third-generation Passat and the Corrado coupe. What set the VR6 apart was its unique layout—a narrow-angle V design that combined features of both a V6 and an inline-six. With cylinder banks offset at an exceptionally narrow-angle, the VR6 required only a single cylinder head, simplifying its construction and reducing manufacturing costs.

This innovative design allowed Volkswagen to create a compact engine capable of fitting into smaller cars, making it a perfect choice for front-wheel-drive platforms.

(more…)

Nissan Launches Early Bird Promo for the KICKS e-POWER in Malaysia

Nissan Malaysia is creating a buzz with the launch of its exclusive Early Bird Promo for the highly anticipated Nissan KICKS e-POWER. This exciting initiative, available for a limited time, offers customers attractive incentives, making it the perfect opportunity to drive home Nissan’s revolutionary hybrid SUV.

What is the Nissan KICKS e-POWER?

The KICKS e-POWER is Nissan’s next-generation hybrid SUV that blends innovative technology with a bold design. Featuring the unique e-POWER system, the vehicle delivers an electrified driving experience without the need for external charging. This groundbreaking technology uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine to charge the battery, while the wheels are powered entirely by an electric motor, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and responsive drive.

Early Bird Promo Details

Under this limited-time offer, customers who book the Nissan KICKS e-POWER will enjoy:

Attractive booking incentives: Exclusive rebates for early adopters.
Free accessories package: Enhance your KICKS e-POWER with premium accessories.
Extended warranty: Enjoy additional peace of mind with an extended warranty covering both the car and the e-POWER system.

(more…)

Next-Gen Fiat 500 To Arrive in 2032 Despite Sales Struggles

Stellantis is going through a tough time after CEO Carlos Tavares suddenly stepped down. Despite this, the company has confirmed that a new Fiat 500 will arrive in 2032. However, the current electric Fiat 500e sales have been slow, leading to production pauses.

Keeping the Fiat 500 in Turin

The Fiat 500, a popular city car in Europe, will continue to be made at the Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, beyond 2030. Stellantis’ European Chief, Jean-Philippe Imparato, says this decision ensures the plant stays busy and important to the company. In November 2025, a new hybrid version of the Fiat 500, called the Fiat 500 Ibrida, will be introduced to give buyers more choices.

(more…)

Chery Malaysia Achieves SIRIM Certification for EV Batteries

Chery Malaysia has become the first automotive brand in the country to receive the prestigious SIRIM certification for its Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Pack – Lithium Battery. This landmark achievement, awarded by SIRIM QAS International, Malaysia’s leading certification, inspection, and testing body, highlights Chery’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.

Chery Malaysia’s dedication to sustainable mobility solutions is further cemented by this certification, positioning the company as a leader in the electric vehicle industry. This achievement also aligns with Chery’s local environmental sustainability and governance (ESG) efforts.

Rigorous Testing and Compliance

The EV battery underwent extensive testing in China, adhering to the UN R100 standard to ensure international safety and performance compliance. The certification guarantees that Chery’s electric vehicles are equipped with batteries meeting stringent safety and quality standards, offering Malaysian consumers assurance in the reliability and innovation of their vehicles.

(more…)

Mazda’s Iconic SP: Concept Moves Closer to Production

Over a year has passed since Mazda introduced the Iconic SP concept at the Japan Mobility Show, hinting at the return of its iconic RX series. The sleek two-seater coupe with a two-rotor engine sparked excitement and speculation about the revival of the RX line. Now, Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, has confirmed that work on the Iconic SP is progressing. While not an official confirmation of the RX’s return, his statement suggests that the project is moving forward, and fans can expect the road-going version of the car—though it may be smaller than the concept.

Mazda’s Chief Designer, Masashi Nakayama, previously hinted that the car could be smaller, possibly similar in size to the MX-5 Miata. This has led to speculation that the Iconic SP could preview the next MX-5 rather than a direct RX model. The concept was 4,178mm long, 1,849mm wide, and 45.2 inches tall, with a 1,148mm wheelbase and a weight of 1,450kg. The car’s weight distribution was balanced, which enhanced its performance potential.

(more…)