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Fiat Revives Petrol Appeal with Manual 500 Hybrid After EV Misstep

Fiat is preparing to reintroduce a petrol-powered version of its iconic city car, the 500, this time blending a mild-hybrid powertrain with a six-speed manual gearbox. Recently released teaser images reveal a traditional gear shifter positioned in the familiar retro-themed interior, marking a return to basics that Fiat hopes will resonate with buyers seeking charm, efficiency, and affordability over outright performance.

The upcoming 500 Hybrid will be powered by a modest 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, paired with mild-hybrid technology, delivering approximately 69hp. While modest in output, the emphasis of this model lies not in speed but in its accessible nature—a clear shift from the more premium electric 500e, which has struggled to capture a significant share of the European market.

This new version of the 500 has a somewhat unconventional origin. Fiat originally engineered the latest 500 platform exclusively for electric power, creating the 500e with the aim of embracing the EV transition. However, with lukewarm reception and slow sales of the all-electric model, exacerbated by frequent pauses in production, the brand found itself needing to pivot.

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Geely Marks 200,000th Unit of Xingyuan EV – The New Proton e.MAS 5

Geely has achieved a major production milestone with the 200,000th unit of its budget-friendly electric vehicle, the Geome Xingyuan, rolling off the assembly line. This compact city EV has established itself as a serious contender in China’s entry-level electric vehicle market, where it directly rivals BYD’s high-volume Seagull.

With a starting price of 68,800 yuan (approximately RM45,000), the Xingyuan offers customers a competitive range of features for its segment. Two powertrain options are available: a 58 kW variant capable of a 310km range under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), and a more powerful 85 kW version that extends the range to 410km. These choices provide buyers with greater flexibility compared to many other vehicles in the same class.

The Xingyuan features Geely’s distinctive rounded front design and a hatchback rear profile. Measuring 4,135 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, it offers a relatively spacious interior, especially in the rear, giving it a practical edge over similarly sized competitors such as the Seagull or the BYD Dolphin here. The model is available in a range of colour options, including standout shades like pink and blue, and includes semi-concealed door handles for a cleaner exterior look.

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Volkswagen Prepares to Electrify Iconic GTI and Golf R Line-Up with Groundbreaking Performance Models

Volkswagen is preparing to usher in a new era for its iconic performance hatchbacks, confirming that fully electric versions of the celebrated Golf GTI and Golf R are in development. These upcoming models are expected to redefine the brand’s sporty DNA with zero-emission powertrains and cutting-edge technology, while retaining the character that made their predecessors legendary.

The German automaker first hinted at its electric ambitions for the GTI line-up with the unveiling of the ID.GTI concept in 2023. That prototype offered a glimpse into how Volkswagen might reinterpret its performance legacy for the electric age. Now, the carmaker has confirmed that a production version of the electric GTI, based on the forthcoming ID.2 platform, will be introduced exclusively in the European market.

In a recent discussion with AutoExpress, Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, revealed that a fully electric Golf GTI is slated for launch before the end of the decade. He expressed strong enthusiasm for the model, describing it as an exceptionally potent vehicle that will stay true to the GTI name. According to Schäfer, the electric GTI will maintain the spirit and excitement that fans of the nameplate expect, highlighting that it will be thrilling, authentic, and unmistakably a GTI despite its electric heart.

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NIOSH Offers Targeted Training to Improve Safety Standards for Heavy Vehicle Drivers

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety by offering specialised training for heavy vehicle drivers, according to Bernama. The training, delivered under the Safe and Defensive Driving Person (SDDP) module, is designed to equip drivers with the knowledge and skills required for safer and more responsible operation of large vehicles on Malaysian roads.

According to NIOSH vice-chairman G. Manivanan, the SDDP module was developed in collaboration with both industry experts and stakeholders, taking into account the specific challenges and demands faced by heavy vehicle drivers. The programme encompasses key components such as road legislation, vehicle maintenance, and road management practices, with a strong emphasis on accident prevention and heightened driver awareness.

The training has already been adopted by several companies operating fleets of buses and heavy vehicles. These organisations have begun using the module to enhance the competency and safety awareness of their workforce. NIOSH is now calling on other heavy vehicle operators—both in the public and private sectors—to adopt the SDDP training as a proactive measure to improve road safety.

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Stellantis Introduces Eurorepar and Car Service Network to Malaysia

Stellantis has officially introduced its multi-brand Eurorepar product range to the Malaysian market. Making its debut appearance at Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2025, Eurorepar’s entry signals a strategic push to establish a stronger foothold in the country’s rapidly evolving aftermarket industry.

Established in 2002, Eurorepar offers an extensive portfolio of over 17,000 automotive parts and service references, including spare parts, accessories, tyres, lubricants, and consumables. Designed to serve a wide array of vehicle makes and models, the brand’s expansion into Malaysia reflects Stellantis’ global ambition to provide accessible, high-quality automotive solutions beyond its proprietary marques.

Complementing the product range is Eurorepar Car Service, a multi-brand workshop network that delivers expert repair and maintenance services. Operational in more than 30 countries and supported by 6,500 service centres since its inception in 2003, the network aims to shift the Malaysian vehicle servicing market away from its traditional cost-centric focus to a more quality-driven approach. This transformation is expected to empower independent service centres by offering professional-standard services at competitive rates, underpinned by the reliability of OEM-authorised parts.

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Aston Martin Becomes First Carmaker to Introduce Apple CarPlay Ultra Globally

Aston Martin has taken a bold step forward in the digital transformation of its vehicles by becoming the first car manufacturer in the world to offer Apple’s next-generation CarPlay Ultra, solidifying its position at the intersection of automotive luxury and cutting-edge technology.

CarPlay Ultra, unveiled as Apple’s latest evolution of the CarPlay platform, is now available across new Aston Martin vehicles in the United States and Canada. The system will also be rolled out globally over the next 12 months and offered as an update to current models equipped with Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Customers can expect the new technology in models such as the DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish, with updates for existing vehicles to follow in the coming weeks via the brand’s dealership network.

With the introduction of CarPlay Ultra, drivers are offered a fully integrated, intuitive digital experience that connects their iPhone seamlessly with both the infotainment touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster. The technology allows for real-time information display, personalised layout options, and full-screen map and media visualisation, enabling users to tailor their in-car experience with ease.

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Latest News

Fiat Revives Petrol Appeal with Manual 500 Hybrid After EV Misstep

Geely Marks 200,000th Unit of Xingyuan EV – The New Proton e.MAS 5

Volkswagen Prepares to Electrify Iconic GTI and Golf R Line-Up with Groundbreaking Performance Models

NIOSH Offers Targeted Training to Improve Safety Standards for Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Stellantis Introduces Eurorepar and Car Service Network to Malaysia

Aston Martin Becomes First Carmaker to Introduce Apple CarPlay Ultra Globally

Proton e.MAS 7 Conquers 10,432km Across 9 ASEAN Countries

RM350 Million Allocated for Federal Road Maintenance in Peninsular Malaysia

Geely Chairman Backs Dual Strategy of ICE and EV Development, Rejects Price War Tactics

Volvo Padel Open Returns with New Format and Renewed Commitment to Local Talent

Land Rover Revamps Defender for 2025 with More Power, Smarter Tech, and Rugged Refinements

GWM Unveils ICE-Powered Haval Raptor for China with Rugged Off-Road Credentials

BMW Unveils New M2 CS: Track-Ready Performance with Everyday Practicality

China’s Commerce Ministry to Address Surge in ‘Zero Mileage’ Secondhand Cars Amid Industry Price War

PRO-NET Branding Chief Honoured at Malaysian CMO Awards 2024 Amid Rising EV Leadership

Bentley Unveils Fourth-Generation Continental GT Speed in Malaysia – 782PS, 1,000Nm of Torque

Archive

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Honda Reshapes Electrification Strategy Amidst Market Shifts

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