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BMW Group Expands Manufacturing Footprint in Thailand with Battery Assembly Facility

After a joint ground-breaking ceremony attended by Milan Nedeljković, Board Member for Production at BMW AG, representatives of the Thai government, and the German ambassador to Thailand Ernst Reichel, construction has commenced for the BMW Group’s local manufacturing facility for Gen-5 high-voltage batteries. This facility will enable the BMW Group to produce fully electric vehicles locally, with production scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025.

The forthcoming high-voltage battery assembly facility will cover 4,000 square meters and will be an integral part of BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand. The assembly line will convert imported battery cells into modules, which will then be integrated into high-voltage batteries. The BMW Group has invested over 1.6 billion baht (approximately RM211,153,426) in the project, with a significant portion earmarked for state-of-the-art equipment and systems, totalling almost 1.4 billion baht (approximately RM184,759,247).

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Perak Authorities Seize Luxury Cars with Unpaid Duties of RM10.4 Million

The Perak customs department has reported the seizure of 28 luxury vehicles with unpaid duties totalling RM10.4 million during the first two months of the year, according to state director Abdul Ghafar Mohamad.

Ghafar mentioned that the enforcement division conducted raids at 12 locations across Perak and Selangor, resulting in the confiscation of vehicles such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz models.

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Volvo Car Malaysia Hosts Inaugural Safety Driving Experience

Volvo Car Malaysia organised its first-ever Safety Driving Experience as part of its For Life campaign at KL Base, Sungai Besi – the country’s iconic first airstrip.

Over the first weekend of March, the event welcomed 240 participants, including Volvo owners and enthusiasts, who engaged in learning essential defensive driving skills. Exercises such as brake, steer, and avoid, along with quick-reaction lane changing, were conducted to enhance participants’ defensive driving capabilities.

Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to test the acceleration and handling of Volvo cars through a slalom course on the 1.8km-long runway. Volvo’s onboard safety technology, including cross-traffic alert and pilot assist, was featured between turns to showcase the brand’s commitment to safety.

The event also presented Volvo’s entire range of fully electric and plug-in hybrid models, including SUVs like the Volvo XC90 and XC60, sedans such as the Volvo S90 and S60, the Volvo V60 estate, and the sub-compact Volvo XC40 offered with either a fully electric or mild hybrid powertrain.

A standout feature of the display was the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric crossover SUV, presented in a new Vapour Grey colourway option. Updated for model year 2024, the C40 Recharge boasts up to 550km in electric range, faster DC charging for a larger battery pack, and pixel headlight technology.

Patricia Yaw, Head of Marketing & PR of Volvo Car Malaysia, emphasised the significance of the Volvo Safety Driving Experience, stating, “When you feel safe, you can be truly free.” The event aimed to empower Volvo drivers with the necessary mindset and knowledge for road safety, equipping them with life-saving skills and confidence in Volvo cars equipped with advanced driver assistance systems and safety innovations.

Key activities during the event included the “brake, swerve, avoid” exercise to build drivers’ confidence in handling unexpected obstacles on the road, as well as training reflexes for challenging situations like sudden lane changing without braking to avoid head-on collisions. Additionally, participants enjoyed experiencing the cars’ acceleration and handling on KL Base’s 1.8km-long runway, further enhancing their driving skills and confidence behind the wheel.

smart Malaysia Inaugurates Expansion of Three New Community-Centric Hubs

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET) announced the expansion of its smart dealership network, bringing the innovative smart #1 electric vehicle closer to enthusiasts across Malaysia. The opening of a smart hub in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah marks a significant milestone in our journey, promising a dynamic space that caters to the vibrant community of electric vehicle enthusiasts in East Malaysia.

In addition to Kota Kinabalu, our commitment to accessible and community-centric mobility extends to Petaling Jaya and the city of Kuantan in the Peninsular. We are excited to announce strategic partnerships with Fook Loi Eurocar Sdn Bhd for smart Kota Kinabalu, Naza Automotive Group for smart Petaling Jaya, and Hoi Keen Service Sdn Bhd for smart Kuantan. These alliances are aimed at streamlining the adoption of the smart #1 electric vehicle, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for customers nationwide.

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Mini Malaysia Farewells Countryman with Exclusive John Cooper Works Trim

Mini has unveiled the limited-edition Mini Countryman JCW Trim, boasting bold exterior and interior enhancements designed to make a statement on the road.

The Mini Countryman has garnered acclaim since its debut in 2011, particularly after the local assembly began in 2013 at Kulim. As the top-performing Mini model in Malaysia, the stylish Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) combines iconic Mini DNA with increased space for enhanced enjoyment. The Mini Countryman JCW Trim represents the culmination of this success, offering a final flourish for Malaysian enthusiasts.

This exclusive edition of the Mini Countryman features the John Cooper Works (JCW) aerodynamic kit, including a front apron with built-in air ducts, a rear bumper with a diffuser, JCW door sill finishers, a sporty rear spoiler, and 19-inch JCW Circuit Spoke Wheels with run-flat tyres.

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Maserati Unveils The 2024 GranCabrio – 535hp and 650Nm

Maserati has unveiled the 2024 GranCabrio sports car, albeit six months later than scheduled due to a series of new-model delays. Set to arrive in European showrooms later this year, the GranCabrio is the convertible counterpart to the GranTurismo coupe introduced 18 months ago, marking Maserati’s first all-new model in 14 years.

Unlike its predecessor, which featured non-turbo Ferrari V8 power and ceased production in late 2019, the new GranCabrio debuts with a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. Initially, it will be offered with this powertrain, with an electric version likely to follow.

Distinguishing itself from the coupe variant, the GranCabrio boasts a soft-top roof available in five colours – black, blue, grey, ‘greige,’ and garnet red. The roof operates swiftly, opening in 14 seconds and closing in 16 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. Controlled via a touchscreen menu, the roof also includes a neck warmer and a folding ‘wind stopper’ for added comfort.

Externally, the GranCabrio mirrors its coupe counterpart, featuring an evolutionary design inherited from its predecessor dating back to 2007.

Under the hood, the GranCabrio is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol ‘Nettuno’ V6 engine developed by Maserati, delivering 535hp and 650Nm of torque in Trofeo trim. Power is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds, 0-200km/h in 12.2 seconds, and a top speed of 316km/h.

Equipped with adaptive air suspension, sizable brakes, large wheels, and advanced driver aids, the GranCabrio promises dynamic performance and precise handling. It offers four drive modes – Comfort, GT, Sport, and Corsa – along with a full ESC Off setting for enthusiasts.

Inside, the GranCabrio boasts luxurious appointments, including a head-up display, a digital interpretation of Maserati’s traditional clock, premium leather, aluminum finishes, and a high-end sound system.

Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera enhance safety and convenience for occupants.

Despite sharing design elements with the GranTurismo, Maserati claims a 100kg weight increase for the GranCabrio. Nevertheless, it promises an exhilarating driving experience coupled with unparalleled luxury and comfort.