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CATL to Begin Mass Production of Sodium-Ion Batteries in 2026

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited (CATL) has confirmed that it will begin large-scale production of its next-generation sodium-ion batteries next year. The new cells are designed to deliver a driving range of around 500 kilometres while being cheaper to manufacture and less damaging to the environment.

Unlike conventional lithium-based batteries, the new technology relies on sodium, an abundant material that is easier to extract. CATL has not yet disclosed which car manufacturer will be the first to adopt the batteries.

The company highlights several advantages of the sodium-ion technology. Production costs are lower, the carbon footprint is reduced, and the batteries are classified as more environmentally friendly. They are also capable of both fast charging and rapid discharging, while offering stable performance in a wide range of conditions. Importantly, sodium-ion batteries are considered safer than current mainstream chemistries.

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Porsche Previews the Cayenne Electric Interior Ahead of Global Debut

The upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric, scheduled to debut at the end of 2025, introduces a new interior concept that emphasises comfort, digital functionality, and personalisation. At the centre of this update is the Flow Display, the largest screen ever fitted to a Porsche, integrated into a cabin designed to merge sport-focused design with advanced digital systems.

According to Markus Auerbach, Director Interior Design at Style Porsche, the goal was to combine traditional Cayenne design cues with Porsche’s new “Digital Interaction” approach. The Flow Display, a curved OLED panel, forms the basis of this system, offering a clean, seamless interface for vehicle controls and infotainment. Alongside this, new features such as electrically adjustable rear seats, heating for surfaces like armrests and door panels, and customisable Mood Modes expand the model’s scope of comfort and usability.

All passengers benefit from increased cabin space and new comfort options. The standard-fit electrically adjustable rear seats can switch between comfort and cargo positions, while Mood Modes adjust interior light, sound, climate, and seating settings for relaxation or focus. A panoramic roof with Variable Light Control adds further versatility: its glass surface, the largest ever installed in a Porsche, can transition between clear, matte, or two semi-transparent settings.

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Tyre Smuggling Scandal Uncovered in Malaysia, RM350 Million in Losses Estimated

A complaint from an Italian tyre manufacturer has set off a major investigation into large-scale tyre smuggling and forged import documents in Malaysia. The case, now known as “Ops Grip,” has already led to raids across multiple states and the seizure of thousands of tyres suspected to be counterfeit or undeclared.

According to Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki, the probe began after a European tyre maker raised concerns over fake products and suspicious import patterns. He confirmed that Italy was among the countries affected but stopped short of naming other sources. The seized tyres are currently undergoing checks to verify their authenticity.

The operation was carried out by the Multi-Agency Task Force (MATF), which brought together the MACC, the Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Customs Department. Teams swooped down on six warehouses and container sites in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor, where they uncovered 17,672 tyres. These are now being cross-checked with international brands to confirm their legitimacy.

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New XPENG G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV Launched in Malaysia

Bermaz Xpeng Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of XPENG in Malaysia, has officially launched the new XPENG G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV. First introduced locally in August 2024, the updated G6 arrives with performance improvements, smarter features, and refreshed styling. Bookings are now open, with prices starting from RM178,888.

The new G6 is built on XPENG’s SEPA 2.0 architecture, designed to improve driving efficiency, refine handling, and deliver a more seamless connected experience. Alongside these technical upgrades, the SUV receives updates inside and out that emphasise its modern and practical character.

Exterior revisions include a full-width Starlight Wing LED light bar with integrated turn signals, a redesigned rear diffuser for better airflow, and a matte grey XPENG badge moved from the bonnet to the hood.

Wheel arches now match the body colour for a cleaner finish, while a new ducktail-style rear design strengthens the car’s stance and stability.

The cabin has been extensively redesigned under what XPENG calls the Super Star-Ring Interior Design, transforming more than half of the interior. The dashboard layout is sleeker, with ambient lighting, premium materials, and a capacitive steering wheel.

Customers can choose Dark Grey or Light Grey interior themes. A larger 15.6-inch floating infotainment screen works alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, complemented by intuitive voice commands and smartphone connectivity.

Passenger comfort has also been upgraded. Front seats offer massage, lumbar support, heating, and ventilation, while the rear features a 12-level reclining design intended to mimic sofa-like comfort. A panoramic star sunroof and generous headroom and legroom further add to the sense of space.

Power comes from XPENG’s next-generation Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 800V high-voltage SiC platform, the first in the industry to use 5C LFP batteries. This approach improves charging speed, efficiency, and long-term durability while avoiding reliance on minerals such as cobalt and nickel. The result is a battery that is safer and more environmentally sustainable, without compromising performance.

The Long Range Pro and AWD Performance models are equipped with an 80.5 kWh LFP pack, replacing the 87.5 kWh lithium-ion batteries used in earlier versions. Thanks to the 800V SiC system, the G6 achieves a peak charging power of 451kW, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in just 12 minutes — the fastest in its class. Depending on the variant, the G6 delivers up to 525km of driving range on a single charge.

As for power, the RWD Long Rane variant puts out 292hp and 440Nm of torque, which allows it to do 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the AWD Performance variant churns out 480hp and 660Nm of torque, which cuts down the 0-100km/h timing to 4.13 seconds. Both variants have a top speed of 202km/h.

The G6 also debuts a fully upgraded intelligent driving suite with a new MicroFiber capacitive steering wheel, advanced driver-assist chip, and clearer long-range perception sensors. Functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automated parking are included. A high-performance cockpit chip further improves responsiveness and connectivity for both entertainment and driving tasks.

Battery safety is a key focus. The G6’s battery is housed in a reinforced structure with ballistic-grade protection, designed to withstand extreme heat of up to 1,000˚C and side pressure of up to 80 tonnes. Its durability is further extended with a 30 per cent longer lifespan compared to standard systems.

The G6 is fully imported from China and is available in five exterior colours: Arctic White, Graphite Grey, Midnight Black, Silver Frost, and Stellar Purple. Interior choices include Dark Grey or Light Grey.

A Black Edition is also available exclusively on the AWD Performance variant, adding gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels, black brake callipers, and a blacked-out XPENG badge.

Pricing starts at RM178,888 for the G6 RWD Long Range Pro, RM189,888 for the G6 AWD Performance, and RM193,888 for the G6 AWD Black Edition.

Every purchase includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty (or 120,000 km), 5 years of free service and maintenance (or 100,000 km), and an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty covering up to 160,000 km.

Chery Launches Exeed Yaoguang C-DM Global Edition in China, Prices Start from RM90k

Chery has pulled the covers off the Exeed Yaoguang C-DM Global Edition in China, an SUV that blends familiar design with significant updates to its hybrid powertrain.

Available in three trims, the model has been priced from 139,900 yuan, which works out to roughly RM90,800, while the top-spec version climbs to 189,900 yuan or around RM123,300. Positioned as a “Global Edition”, the new model is clearly intended for export, signalling Chery’s ambition to push its premium Exeed line further into international markets.

On the outside, the Yaoguang retains much of the bold character of its predecessor, but with subtle enhancements. The full-width LED light bar across the nose remains, now joined by vertical light strips at either side to emphasise the SUV’s stance.

A new dual-tone exterior option has been added, giving buyers a sharper, more distinctive look. At the rear, the through-type taillights are still in place, but with the addition of black trim and twin exhaust outlets that lend the SUV a sportier finish. Dimensionally, the Global Edition continues with a length of 4,781 mm, width of 1,920 mm, height of 1,671 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,815 mm, while curb weight varies between 1,913 and 2,171 kg depending on specification.

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Volvo EC40 Single-Motor Arrives in Malaysia for 2026 with Lower Price and Fresh Upgrades

Volvo’s first electric-only crossover, the EC40, is getting a new addition to its line-up in Malaysia for the 2026 model year. The single-motor variant is now officially available, priced at RM248,888. That makes it RM40,000 cheaper than the current twin-motor version, while still coming in the fully-loaded Ultra trim.

Powering this new variant is Volvo’s second-generation permanent magnet rear electric motor, developed fully in-house. It produces 238hp, which is enough to send the EC40 from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Energy is supplied by a 70 kWh high-voltage battery, offering up to 488km of range on the WLTP cycle. For charging, the system supports fast DC input, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.

A fresh look is also part of the update. A new Sand Dune exterior colour has been added to the palette, first seen on the 2025 EX90. The shade carries a warm metallic tone with glass flakes that shimmer under sunlight, inspired by Sweden’s west coast dunes. Alongside Sand Dune, buyers can also opt for Aurora Silver, Onyx Black, or Crystal White.

Inside, the EC40 continues Volvo’s push for sustainability with a leather-free interior. The cabin is trimmed in Charcoal Connect suede textile and Charcoal Microtech, while new Cutting Edge accents on the dashboard and doors sharpen up the design.

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