The upcoming all-new Toyota Corolla, anticipated for release in 2026, is set to incorporate hybrid technology from BYD, potentially delivering a driving range around three times that of conventional petrol-powered cars.
Next-Generation Toyota Corolla:
Launch Year: Expected in 2026.
Powertrain Options: The new Corolla will include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, enabling it to operate on both petrol and electric power.
Advanced Hybrid Technology:
Driving Range: The PHEV version of the Corolla aims for an impressive range of 2100km, leveraging BYD’s hybrid technology.
Engine Specifications: The model will feature a new highly-efficient 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine is part of Toyota’s new family of petrol engines, which also includes non-turbo and 2.0-litre turbocharged variants for sports models like the rumoured future Celica and MR2.
Sime Darby Berhad and Porsche have announced a significant expansion of Porsche’s assembly facility at Inokom in Kulim, Kedah. This expansion marks a milestone in their longstanding partnership and aims to drive growth in the ASEAN region. Here are the key highlights of this development:
Expansion Details:
Facility Size: The assembly facility has been expanded to 11,000 square meters.
New Assembly Line: The expansion includes the introduction of a new assembly line for the plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe.
Export Milestone: The Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be the first locally assembled Porsche model to be exported to Thailand, highlighting the facility’s growing capabilities.
The Industry Ministry of Thailand has announced a new initiative aimed at bolstering the local automotive supply chain by requiring Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to source at least 40% of their parts locally. This move is part of a broader effort to support Thai auto parts makers as the automotive industry shifts from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric mobility.
Key Points of the Initiative:
Local Content Requirement:
Chinese EV manufacturers are encouraged to source at least 40% of their vehicle parts from Thai suppliers.
This requirement emerged from discussions between the Industry Ministry and Chinese EV makers like GAC Aion New Energy Automobile.
Porsche has announced a reassessment of its ambitious target for electric vehicle (EV) sales, acknowledging that the transition to EVs is progressing more slowly than anticipated. The German automaker had previously set a goal for 80% of its sales to be all-electric by 2030, but it has now adjusted this target to be more contingent on customer demand and advancements in the electromobility sector.
Key Points from Porsche’s Announcement:
Revised EV Target:
Originally, Porsche aimed for 80% of its sales to be fully electric by 2030.
The updated strategy now states that achieving this goal is dependent on customer demand and the overall development of the electromobility market.
Naza Italia has introduced the MY24 Maserati Grecale in Malaysia, offering both GT hybrid and Trofeo versions of the brand’s highly anticipated SUV. Dubbed “The Everyday Exceptional,” the Grecale balances versatility, elegance, performance, and innovation, ensuring a blend of performance, comfort, and safety.
The Maserati Grecale, named after a north-easterly Mediterranean wind, was developed at the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena and produced at the Cassino plant. Launched globally in 2022, the Grecale inaugurates a new SUV segment for Maserati, offering three engine variants: conventional internal combustion, hybrid, and full-electric.
The Grecale GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine delivering 300hp, embodying urban sophistication suitable for dynamic individuals with a refined style. Meanwhile, the Grecale Trofeo is equipped with a high-performance 3.0L 530-hp petrol V6 based on the Nettuno engine from the MC20, designed for those seeking disruptive performance.
The Grecale showcases Maserati’s new visual identity, first seen with the MC20. Its exterior features a low, imposing grille, fluid body lines, boomerang taillights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT, and 20” alloy wheels with body-colour bumpers and side skirts. Inside, the Grecale boasts spaciousness, comfort, and “best-in-class” features such as interior space, driveability, handling, acceleration, sound quality, and fine materials like wood, carbon fibre, and leather. Dimensions for the GT version include a length of 4,846mm, a wheelbase of 2,901mm, and a height of 1,670mm, just slightly bigger than the BMW X4.
The cabin of the Grecale features a sophisticated environment inspired by interior design rather than the automotive sector. A digital transformation of the traditional clockface acts as an in-car concierge via voice control, while touch-based controls are managed by a 12.3” central screen, an 8.8” display for extra controls, and an optional heads-up display in the Trofeo version. The Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) manages the infotainment system, complemented by an immersive Sonus Faber 3D sound system offering up to 21 speakers.
The new Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) system provides 360° control over the car, enhancing handling and driving experience. The VDCM system supports various drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Off-Road, allowing drivers to shift from utmost comfort to extreme responsiveness.
The Grecale GT is priced from RM634,889.00, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. The Grecale Trofeo is priced from RM1,100,000, inclusive of local duties and taxes, excluding customizations, road tax, and insurance. Both models come with a 3-year full Maserati warranty with no mileage restrictions, with an option to extend the warranty for up to 10 years.
The MY24 Maserati Grecale represents a bold statement for those who live audaciously and choose to stand out, offering an exceptional driving experience every day.
The Federal Court has dismissed an application by former Grab driver, Loh Guet Ching, seeking leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal decision that upheld the Human Resources Minister’s refusal to refer her alleged unfair dismissal case to the Industrial Court.
Panel and Decision
The three-member panel, comprising Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Justice Nallini Pathmanathan, and Justice Rhodzariah Bujang, found that the questions of law presented did not meet the requirements under Section 96 of the Courts of Judicature Act 1964. The decision was delivered in online proceedings, with no order as to costs.
Questions of Law
Loh’s lawyer, Ng Kian Nam, sought the court’s determination on six legal questions concerning whether e-hailing drivers and gig economy workers should pursue unfair dismissal disputes in the industrial or civil courts. However, the Senior Federal Counsel, Nik Noor Nik Kar, and lawyer T Thavalingam, representing MyTeksi Sdn Bhd (operating under Grab), contended that the questions were not novel and thus did not justify the appeal.
