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MINI Malaysia will bring together heritage, innovation, and pure driving excitement at the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Track Day 2025, which is set to take place at Gamuda Cove this May. Designed to appeal to passionate MINI enthusiasts and motoring fans alike, the event will showcase the latest high-performance models from the New MINI Family in an adrenaline-charged setting.

The JCW Track Day 2025 will serve as a celebration of John Cooper’s motorsport legacy — the visionary engineer who transformed MINI into a track-bred icon. The event will introduce the public to MINI’s most performance-oriented models yet, including the new MINI JCW, the first-ever all-electric MINI John Cooper Works, the all-electric MINI JCW Aceman, and the MINI JCW Countryman. These models will combine cutting-edge electric technology with MINI’s signature go-kart handling and performance-driven design, offering a fresh take on the brand’s racing spirit for a new generation of drivers.

Alongside these headline acts, visitors will also be able to explore the broader MINI range, including the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper 5 Door, All-Electric MINI Cooper, New MINI Convertible, MINI Countryman, All-Electric MINI Countryman, and the All-Electric MINI Aceman. The Aceman will be presented in two distinctive editions: the Track Edition, which will feature exclusive race livery across the bonnet, sides, and rear along with the MINI Floating Hub Cap; and the Slick Edition, adorned with silver livery and the same iconic hub cap — both embodying bold aesthetics and thrilling potential.

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Elon Musk has confirmed he will stay on as Tesla CEO for at least the next five years, emphasising that his continued leadership is essential to maintain strategic control and resist activist investor influence. Speaking at the Bloomberg Qatar Economic Forum, Musk denied his commitment was financially driven, stressing it’s about guiding Tesla’s long-term vision.

His leadership comes amid rising investor concerns over his focus, as he’s been dedicating time to political advisory work, notably with former President Donald Trump. Though he plans to scale this back to 1–2 days a week, Musk’s political involvement has sparked backlash and protests against Tesla.

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FIAT has lifted the curtain on the Grande Panda 4×4 concept, a modern reimagining of one of its most celebrated icons. The Italian automaker’s latest creation pays tribute to the heritage of the original Panda 4×4 while positioning itself as a beacon of sustainable mobility for the future.

First introduced in 1983, the Panda 4×4 became an instant favourite thanks to its unique blend of rugged functionality and everyday usability. Compact and unassuming in design, the original model defied expectations with its off-road capabilities and clever use of space, making it a fixture in both urban environments and mountainous terrains. Over the years, it developed a cult following, not only for its practical appeal but also for its reliable performance and unpretentious charm.

With the unveiling of the Grande Panda 4×4 concept, FIAT signals a renewed commitment to that legacy. The concept car builds on the DNA of the original, infusing it with a contemporary edge through advanced technology and a vision aligned with sustainable mobility. This new chapter reflects the brand’s pursuit of innovation while preserving the essence of what made the Panda 4×4 a beloved nameplate worldwide.

At the heart of the Grande Panda 4×4 project lies an electrified rear axle, an innovation designed to enhance both urban manoeuvrability and off-road prowess. The inclusion of this technology underscores FIAT’s broader strategy of integrating environmentally conscious solutions without compromising performance or versatility. The vehicle is expected to offer a seamless driving experience across a range of conditions, combining modern efficiency with the robust character of its predecessor.

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Proton’s entry into the electric vehicle segment has made an emphatic impact, with more than 2,700 units of the Proton e.MAS 7 delivered across Malaysia and export markets within just four months. Since its launch in January 2025, the fully electric SUV has recorded an average of one unit sold every hour—an impressive feat that underscores the model’s strong reception among Malaysian buyers.

In April alone, 863 units of the e.MAS 7 were registered, both locally and abroad. This consistent performance has enabled the vehicle to maintain a commanding 26% share of the electric vehicle market in Malaysia for the fourth consecutive month, cementing its position as a market leader.

Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET—Proton’s EV-focused subsidiary—attributed the success to growing public trust and a clear shift in consumer sentiment toward electric mobility. He noted that Malaysians have demonstrated an eagerness to embrace the EV transition, and the e.MAS 7 has become the preferred choice for families, working professionals, and those upgrading from internal combustion engine vehicles.

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OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia has strengthened its operational capabilities in response to rising demand, unveiling a significant expansion of its aftersales infrastructure. The brand, known for its premium off-road SUVs, has established a new central parts warehouse in Shah Alam to enhance nationwide support for its growing customer base and dealer network.

The newly operational facility, managed by Chery Corporate Malaysia, marks a strategic investment in aftersales excellence. Located within the Hicom Industrial Estate, the warehouse spans 88,000 square feet, more than double the size of its predecessor, significantly increasing storage and logistics capacity for all brands under the automotive group’s umbrella.

This development underscores OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia’s commitment to delivering a high standard of service aligned with the brand’s vision of redefining attainable luxury. The warehouse plays a vital role in supporting an expanding dealership network, ensuring rapid parts availability and service continuity across the country.

The facility has been operational since March 2025 and currently stocks approximately 10,000 components for all existing OMODA | JAECOO models sold in Malaysia. It also includes dedicated inventory for iCAUR vehicles, anticipating the arrival of the brand’s inaugural model, the iCAUR 03, which is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2025.

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Lexus has officially introduced the 2025 IS 500 Ultimate Edition, a limited-run variant that pays homage to the performance legacy of the IS lineup and marks a symbolic farewell to the naturally aspirated V8 in a world increasingly shifting toward electrification and hybridisation. Only 500 units will be available across North America, with sales expected to commence later this year.

Since its global debut in 1999, the Lexus IS has evolved into a cornerstone of the brand’s performance sedan offerings. With around 1.3 million units sold in more than 40 countries and regions over the past two decades, the model has garnered a loyal following for its dynamic rear-wheel-drive layout and refined handling, positioning it as a serious rival to European competitors.

Under the bonnet, the IS 500 Ultimate Edition retains the 5.0-litre naturally aspirated 2UR-GSE V8 engine, delivering a robust 472hp and 535Nm of torque exclusively to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission. This powertrain has become a hallmark of the IS 500 F SPORT Performance grade, offering a uniquely visceral driving experience that is becoming increasingly rare in the segment.

Complementing the car’s powerful output is an advanced braking system, featuring 6-piston aluminium Brembo callipers and large 380mm ventilated disc brakes, designed for improved fade resistance and confident stopping power. These high-performance brakes are finished in red, adding a visual cue to their capability. Lightweight 19-inch forged alloy wheels from BBS, finished in matte black, reduce unsprung mass while reinforcing the vehicle’s purposeful stance.

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