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BYD’s Rise in Global EV Market: A RM17.2 Billion Boost

A recent study conducted by Germany’s Kiel Institute for the World Economy reveals that China’s leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD Co., has received substantial direct government subsidies amounting to at least €3.4 billion (RM17.2 billion). This surge in aid is part of China’s strategic efforts to dominate the EV and clean technology sectors.

The report highlights a significant increase in subsidies for BYD, from €220 million in 2020 to €2.1 billion just two years later. Beyond direct subsidies, BYD benefits from additional support for local battery manufacturers and incentives for buyers of its vehicles. This financial assistance has allowed Chinese firms like BYD to rapidly expand their market presence, particularly in China, and increasingly penetrate European markets.

The European Union is currently investigating allegations of unfair aid practices within China’s EV sector. The report underscores concerns about the economic threat posed by an influx of Chinese-made products flooding European markets, prompting calls for trade rebalancing with China.

BYD, alongside fellow Chinese EV manufacturers Nio and Geely, is aggressively expanding into Europe after achieving significant success in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, Western manufacturers like Tesla and Volkswagen are facing intense competition in China’s fiercely competitive EV market.

According to the Kiel Institute, nearly all of China’s listed companies received direct subsidies in 2022, with substantial support also provided to industries such as wind, solar, and railway rolling stock. This level of industry aid in China far surpasses that of large EU and OECD countries.

In response to China’s aggressive subsidy programs, the EU has allocated funds to establish a €40 billion innovation fund aimed at enhancing competitiveness against Chinese counterparts. Additionally, the EU initiated a probe into whether Chinese subsidies provided unfair advantages to companies like BYD, SAIC, and Geely. Initial tariffs may be imposed as early as July.

China has defended its subsidy programs, asserting that its EV manufacturers’ success stems from superior products and technological innovation rather than solely relying on government support. Nevertheless, concerns persist about the impact of Chinese subsidies on global trade dynamics, prompting diplomatic efforts such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s upcoming trip to China to address these issues.

BYD’s evolution from a battery maker to a leading EV manufacturer underscores the transformative impact of China’s domestic EV market growth and supportive policies. With its ability to offer competitively priced vehicles, such as the Seagull hatchback priced under $10,000, BYD has disrupted traditional automotive markets and intensified global competition in the EV sector.

Tesla Model S Plaid Gets New Sport Seats as Standard

Tesla has introduced new Sport Seats for the Model S Plaid, aimed at better handling the extreme power of the electric supercar.

While the Model S Plaid is technically a family sedan, its blistering 1.99-second 0 to 100km/h acceleration puts it firmly in the realm of electric supercars.

With more power than most drivers would ever need, the Model S Plaid offers an exhilarating driving experience.

Some owners of the Model S Plaid enjoy taking their cars to the racetrack, where they can truly appreciate the car’s capabilities. The lateral G-forces experienced during cornering on the racetrack are particularly noticeable.

Although Tesla’s standard Model S seats are comfortable, they may not provide sufficient support for spirited driving, which the rest of the vehicle excels at.

The new Sport Seats address this issue with significantly increased side support. Here are the key features of these seats:

1. Increased lateral support: The Sport Seats offer enhanced side support to keep drivers firmly in place during high-performance driving.
2. Modular seat architecture: Despite the added support, the seats maintain the same 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation features for optimal comfort.
3. High-performance suede material: The seats are upholstered in high-performance suede, providing increased grip for the driver while reducing overall weight.

These features make the new Sport Seats a valuable addition for Model S Plaid owners who enjoy pushing their cars to the limit, whether on the track or during spirited driving on public roads.

Global Conversions Delivers World’s First Right-Hand Drive Hummer EV SUV

In a monumental achievement for the automotive industry, Global Conversions, a pioneering company specialising in Left to Right-Hand Drive conversions, has announced the successful conversion of the world’s first Hummer EV SUV to Right-Hand Drive. This milestone represents a historic breakthrough, underscoring the company’s steadfast dedication to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction.

Guided by the visionary leadership of chairman Suresh Edirisinghe, Global Conversions draws upon over 78 years of collective experience in the conversion sector. Building upon the legacy of his father’s esteemed company, Edirisinghe Brothers Ltd., Mr. Edirisinghe has steered Global Conversions to the forefront of the industry through invaluable knowledge and expertise.

The strategic relocation of operations from Sri Lanka to Ras Al-Khaimah reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its global presence and facilitating accessibility for customers worldwide. Despite this transition, Global Conversions remains deeply rooted in upholding its heritage, culture, and proficiency across all facets of its operations.

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Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition: First Time in 105 Years

The Bentley Bentayga S Black Edition brings a captivating new appearance package to the pinnacle of luxury SUVs. Embracing a sleek black-trimmed aesthetic, this trim package introduces the first-ever black Bentley logo in over a century, adding a touch of modern elegance to the iconic brand.

While Bentley offers a wide range of exterior paint colours, opting for one of the striking black options not only aligns with the model’s name but also complements the historic black logo, a nod to Bentley’s heritage spanning more than a century. The inclusion of the gloss black Bentley emblem pays homage to the brand’s earliest days, infusing the Bentayga Black Edition with a sense of timeless sophistication. This marks the first application of black-tinted wings to a Bentley in 105 years.

Customisation extends to the choice of accent stripe and brake calliper colour, with seven vibrant options available to add a personalised touch. The selected accent hue is mirrored in the interior, where it adorns the contrast stitching and piping of the luxurious leather upholstery. Bentley has also revamped the interior with a new carbon-fibre weave, enhancing the dash, centre console, and door panels with a contemporary aesthetic.

Under the hood, the Bentayga S Black Edition offers the choice between a potent turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6 hybrid powertrain or a robust twin-turbo 5.2-litre V-8 engine. The hybrid variant delivers a combined 455hp, while the V-8 variant boasts an impressive 542hp, propelling the Bentayga to 100km/h in a swift 3.3 seconds.

As for pricing, Bentley has yet to release details for the Black Edition, but given its exclusive enhancements and refined design elements, it’s sure to capture the attention of discerning enthusiasts seeking the epitome of luxury and style in an SUV.

Pagani Alisea Concept: A Beautiful Tribute to the Zonda

The Pagani Alisea, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Zonda, brings a fresh perspective to the revered lineage of Pagani supercars. While Pagani was involved in the project, the majority of the work was done by students of the Master Course at Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Torino, who crafted a stunning, clean design for the 1:1 scale model.

In contrast to the intricate aerodynamic features often seen on high-performance vehicles, the Alisea opts for smooth surfaces and minimised vents and scoops. Its bulging wheel arches complement the curvaceous silhouette, mirroring the width of the Zonda at 2054mm.

With a length of 4521mm, the Alisea is slightly longer than its predecessor but maintains a lower stance, standing at just 1069mm tall. Drawing inspiration from Group C endurance race cars, its canopy design exudes a nostalgic flair. While retaining the essence of the Zonda, the Alisea introduces modern elements such as sleeker, slimmed-down mirrors and updated quad headlights.

The Alisea’s design reflects a departure from the intricate aerodynamic packages of previous Zonda iterations, aligning more closely with the styling cues of the Huayra and its variants. Despite being a one-of-a-kind creation, it wouldn’t be surprising if Pagani incorporates elements of the Alisea into future designs, especially if commissioned by a discerning buyer seeking exclusivity.

Indeed, Pagani’s history is marked by the creation of bespoke Zonda models tailored to individual preferences, showcasing the brand’s ability to bring unique visions to life. As the legacy of the Zonda continues to inspire, the Alisea serves as a testament to Pagani’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and craftsmanship.

Chery Malaysia Provides Update on Chery Omoda 5 Brake Investigation

Chery Auto Malaysia has provided an update to customers and the public regarding a viral complaint (6 April 2024) circulating online from a Chery Omoda 5 customer. Since the initial report on 6 April 2024, Chery’s customer care team has maintained close communication with the customer, providing regular updates while their skilled technical team conducted a comprehensive investigation into her car’s alleged faulty brakes.

In addition to the internal investigation, the car was sent to Puspakom for an impartial assessment. At Puspakom, a thorough 10-point inspection, including a brake test, was conducted to evaluate various aspects such as efficiency, dynamic imbalance, run-out, residual force, and parking brake performance, ensuring optimal braking capability.

Reports state that all inspections carried out by both Chery Auto Malaysia’s team and Puspakom have yielded no adverse findings. The results confirm that the car is indeed safe, and the brake system meets satisfactory standards, as indicated in the Puspakom test result. The customer has been duly informed of these results, and the team has provided her with a comprehensive report detailing the findings of all inspections conducted.

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