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Leading Malaysian digital lending platform, Direct Lending, has joined forces with Petronas AutoExpert to introduce an all-digital car service payment plan for Malaysian car owners. This plan is Shariah-compliant and fully digital, aiming to simplify the lives of customers and offer an edge to Petronas AutoExpert’s service centres.

This partnership brings the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) model into play, allowing car owners to space out payments for their car service and repair costs over a maximum of 12 months. This offering is available at all 55 Petronas AutoExpert centres across Malaysia, providing greater flexibility for managing expenses.

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VinFast, a Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, has the third-highest market value globally among automakers, behind Toyota and Tesla.

Established in 2017, VinFast began operating electric vehicles in 2022. There are hopes for future growth even if it posted a financial loss in 2022 and its electric vehicle operations are not yet profitable. The business intends to build a facility in North Carolina.

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Toyota Motor is preparing to resume operations at its assembly plants in Japan on Wednesday. This comes after a malfunction in its production system caused a complete halt in domestic output for the world’s largest automaker.

Toyota intends to gradually recommence operations at 25 production lines situated within a dozen plants in its home market. The process will continue as the final two plants are slated to become operational again later in the afternoon of the same day.

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Gentari’s Deputy CEO and Chief Green Mobility Officer, Shah Yang Razalli, has highlighted that Malaysia’s fuel subsidy policy goes against its efforts to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs). This conflict is hindering the overall push towards greater EV usage in the country.

As reported by TheEdge Malaysia, Razalli stressed that a key aspect in driving EV adoption is achieving a balance in the total cost of ownership (TCO). In simpler words, the question is: Is it more cost-effective to buy and run an EV over its entire lifetime compared to a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle? This topic was discussed during a session at the Energy Transition Conference held on August 28.

The obstacle to achieving cost parity between EVs and ICE vehicles is the presence of financial incentives. These incentives include direct subsidies for purchasing EVs and additional benefits such as free public charging, parking, or tolls. At the same time, any discouragement of fossil fuel usage is influenced by measures like fuel taxes or carbon taxes.

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Just a few weeks have passed since BMW unveiled the 7 Series / i7 Protection, and now yet another armoured vehicle is stepping into the spotlight. The X5 Protection VR6, a familiar presence having been introduced four years ago, is receiving a Life Cycle Impulse update. BMW’s intention is to align the sturdier variant with the recently refreshed standard X5 model.

Drawing parallels with its predecessor, the X5 Protection VR6 remains rooted in the M Performance lineage. However, in synchronisation with the updated non-M X5, it undergoes a transition from the M50i designation to the M60i nomenclature. At the heart of this enhanced armoured vehicle lies the freshly developed S68 engine – a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 powerhouse generating a 530hp and 750Nm of torque.

The X5 M60i’s armoured equivalent is somewhat slower to accelerate to 100km/h than the X5 M60i’s civilian version, which does it in just 4.3 seconds. It can still complete the same sprint in a respectable 5.9 seconds, proving that it is still fairly capable. The ordinary model’s limiter is programmed to interfere at 250km/h, whereas the armoured variant’s top speed is electronically limited to 210km/h. The X5 Protection VR6 still exhibits notable performance traits that guarantee its functionality and agility despite the weight penalty.

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Following the successful debut of the new Cayenne in early 2023, Porsche is culminating the extensively revamped third generation of this renowned SUV with an exciting addition: a fresh flagship model. In line with tradition, the most potent iteration of the Cayenne continues to be a plug-in hybrid. Porsche has undertaken substantial enhancements in the technology of this successor to the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, resulting in noteworthy improvements, particularly in electric range and performance.

Distinguishing itself, the Turbo E-Hybrid boasts a distinctive front fascia, characterised by its enlarged air intakes that exude a sporty and aggressive aesthetic. Porsche’s attention to detail extends to the wheel arches and the lower rear fascia, both of which are elegantly painted in the vehicle’s body colour. Further enhancing its dynamic appearance, the E-Hybrid model showcases vibrant red brake callipers that add a dash of flair. The visual enhancements are rounded off with the inclusion of two dual exhaust outlets, a design element that not only exudes sophistication but also contributes to the SUV’s overall sporty presence.

Taking a page out of the playbook of the all-electric Taycan sedan, the new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid introduces an impressive 12.7-inch gauge cluster. This includes a toggle-style gear selector that draws clear inspiration from its electric counterpart. Meanwhile, the heart of the cabin’s entertainment and navigation functions lies within a central 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Notably, Porsche retains its digital display aesthetic, while wisely incorporating a physical volume knob—an element appreciated by many.

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