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Volkswagen Charts a Course for Revival with New EV Strategy

After years of decline, Volkswagen has acknowledged its struggles and is implementing a strategy to reclaim its competitive edge. Facing increasing pressure from Chinese automakers and the accelerating shift to electrification, the German automaker has introduced a turnaround plan known as Triple A—Accelerate, Attack, and Achieve. Central to this strategy is the launch of nine new models by 2027, beginning with two smaller, more affordable electric vehicles under the ID. family.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the ID.2, expected in 2026, and the ID.1, set to arrive in 2027, will be key components of its electrification efforts. The ID.1 is slated for an official unveiling in early March, featuring an all-electric powertrain with a starting price of approximately €20,000 (RM88,965). Employees at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg headquarters will be the first to see the vehicle before its public debut.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Thomas Schäfer described the new model as a crucial achievement, stating that an affordable, high-quality, and profitable electric Volkswagen designed in Europe for the European market represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Wolfsburg will remain the core of Volkswagen’s electrification drive, though changes in production strategy are underway. To accommodate the transition, the company is relocating Golf production to Mexico, making space for electric vehicle manufacturing.

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Honda Open to Reconsidering Merger with Nissan on Condition of CEO’s Resignation

The merger discussions between Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. have officially collapsed, with tensions running high over the conditions proposed by Honda. A senior Nissan official expressed strong discontent over what he described as “rude” demands made by Honda during the negotiations.

At the core of the disagreement was Honda’s insistence that Nissan become its subsidiary, a condition that ultimately led to the breakdown of the talks. Honda also pushed Nissan to restructure its business and abandon its proprietary hybrid vehicle (HV) system, e-Power, in favour of Honda’s own HV technology. These proposals were perceived as an affront to Nissan’s reputation, particularly given its historical branding as the “Nissan of technology.”

From Honda’s perspective, integrating Nissan’s sales channels with its hybrid system would have improved economies of scale, potentially lowering procurement costs for both companies. However, Nissan, once a leader in electric vehicle (EV) production, has struggled to keep pace with Toyota and Honda in the hybrid segment. A senior Honda official asserted that Honda had a clear advantage over Nissan in HV technology, further fueling tensions.

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Transport Ministry Moves to Ban Dummy Seat Belt Buckles

The transport ministry is working with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to prohibit the sale of dummy seat belt buckles, a device used by vehicle owners to bypass seat belt alarms.

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook emphasised the dangers of using these buckles, stating that they allow motorists to deceive seat belt sensors, putting their safety at risk. Despite growing concerns, he acknowledged that the transport ministry does not have the authority to confiscate or ban these accessories. To address this limitation, discussions are underway with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to implement a ban on their sale and distribution.

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Chery Malaysia to Begin Vehicle Exports to Southeast Asia

Chery Corporate Malaysia Sdn Bhd is set to begin exporting vehicles to the Southeast Asian (SEA) market this year, marking a significant milestone as the first Chinese automotive brand to export from Malaysia. This move aligns with Chery’s strategy to position Malaysia as its regional production hub.

Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice President Leo Chen highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. “Chery is progressing well towards establishing Malaysia as our production and research and development (R&D) hub in Southeast Asia. Expanding our exporting capabilities enhances our production capacity to meet the region’s growing demand,” he stated. Chen also emphasised Chery’s role in contributing to Malaysia’s economy, developing local talent, and strengthening the supply chain, reaffirming the company’s ambition to make Malaysia the leading export hub for its vehicles, including its premium sub-brand, Jaecoo.

The initial phase of exports will see Malaysia supplying Jaecoo Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) SUVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) to Vietnam. Additional models and brands are expected to follow, with expansion plans targeting other SEA markets such as Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, and Singapore.

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Audi Plans to Elevate Brand with Ultra-Luxury A8 and SUV Successors

Audi is charting a course further upmarket, positioning itself as an even more prestigious brand with upscale replacements for its flagship models, including the A8 limousine and the Q7 and Q8 SUVs. The German automaker is laying the groundwork for a more luxurious and exclusive brand perception, pushing into higher price segments while maintaining its premium identity.

The Grandsphere concept, unveiled in 2021, hinted at a potential future iteration of the A8 that would elevate it into true luxury territory. Similarly, the 2022 Urbansphere concept suggested that Audi may introduce an even larger, more opulent SUV. Now, the Volkswagen-owned brand is refining its strategy to further enhance its desirability and status.

Audi UK’s new managing director, Jose Miguel Aparicio, emphasised this shift in an interview with Auto Express, stating that the company prioritises prestige and exclusivity over sheer volume. “We are making a step upwards in terms of premiums, increasing the prestige, desirability, and perception of the brand, and more interested in the quality of business than the quantity,” he said.

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British Man Stranded in Malaysia Over RM7 Parking Dispute

A British electrician claims he has been stranded in Malaysia for over two months after his passport was confiscated following a dispute over a RM7 parking fee.

According to a report by the UK newspaper Daily Mail, 47-year-old Ahmed Hadi from London was arrested just three days after arriving in Malaysia with his wife and two daughters on December 4. His ordeal began in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, when a parking payment machine failed to accept either of his credit cards as he attempted to exit the facility with his family.

Hadi recounted that after unsuccessfully trying to make the payment, he pressed the assistance button and engaged in a 10-minute conversation with a parking attendant. However, the issue remained unresolved. Faced with no other option, he gently lifted the plastic barrier, which he claimed collapsed with minimal force.

Two days later, police summoned him to a station, where he was interrogated for two hours regarding the broken barrier. He was subsequently arrested and jailed. The following day, he was brought to court, but the case remained unresolved as authorities sought additional time to investigate the incident.

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