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Volvo Unveils EX30 Cross Country: A Rugged, Fully Electric SUV for Adventurers

Volvo has officially revealed the EX30 Cross Country, an all-electric SUV designed for adventure seekers looking to explore beyond city limits. The unveiling took place at a secluded winter cabin in northern Sweden, in collaboration with outdoor equipment brand Fjällräven.

Blending Urban Utility with Off-Road Capability

The EX30 Cross Country builds upon the existing EX30 model, incorporating rugged enhancements to navigate challenging terrains. It offers a fully electric powertrain with a range of up to 427 km and a rapid charging capability that allows for a 10-80% charge in just 26 minutes. The vehicle comes equipped with all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, ensuring smooth travel across diverse landscapes.

Additional features include larger wheels with an optional 18-inch all-terrain tyre upgrade, providing greater stability on rough surfaces. Volvo aims to cater to drivers who seek both urban convenience and off-road versatility, making the EX30 Cross Country a compelling choice for modern explorers.

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PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealerships to East Malaysia

PRO-NET, the new energy vehicle subsidiary of Proton, has taken a significant step in its nationwide dealership expansion with the official launch of Proton e.MAS dealerships in Sabah and Sarawak. This move aims to introduce advanced electric mobility solutions to customers in East Malaysia.

The first of these new dealerships was inaugurated in Kota Kinabalu on February 8 by the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship of Sabah, YB Datuk Phoong Jin Tze. Harapan Maju Sabah Sdn. Bhd. now operates the Proton e.MAS showroom in the state capital. In Sarawak, Ybhg. Dato Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching South, launched the e.MAS dealership by Melinau EV Sdn. Bhd. on February 11. Further expansions will see Ghee Hua Co. Sdn. Bhd. opening its showroom in Sarawak on February 13, followed by Fook Loi Eurocar Sdn. Bhd. in Sabah on February 28.

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JPJ Warns Against Rising Use of ‘Dummy Buckles’ to Bypass Seat Belt Alarms

The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) has raised concerns over an increasing trend of vehicle owners using “dummy buckles” to silence seat belt alarms instead of wearing seat belts properly.

Negeri Sembilan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf revealed that the highest number of notices issued during the special Chinese New Year operation were for seat belt violations, with 195 offences recorded. Alarmingly, more than 30% of these cases involved drivers using dummy buckles—accessories that resemble real seat belt buckles—to disable seat belt reminders.

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Alpine A110 R Ultime: A High-Performance Farewell to a Modern Classic

Alpine has introduced the A110 R Ultime, the most extreme and high-performance version of its iconic two-seater sports car. This limited-edition model serves as the grand finale for the A110 lineup, pushing its capabilities to new heights.

The A110 R Ultime has been confirmed to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife approximately 20 seconds faster than the standard A110 R, achieving an estimated lap time of 7 minutes and 15 seconds. This places it ahead of high-performance models such as the BMW M4 CSL and Porsche 911 Turbo S (991), and just a few seconds behind the Mercedes-AMG GT R and Porsche Carrera GT.

Alpine has leveraged its GT4 racing experience to refine the Ultime, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS. Extensive weight-saving measures, including carbon-fibre body panels, are expected to keep the car’s kerb weight under 1,100kg.

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JPJ Issues Over 107,000 Notices During Chinese New Year Special Operation

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) recorded a total of 107,014 traffic offences during the Chinese New Year Special Operation 2025, which ran from January 20 to February 4. The operation involved the inspection of 429,423 vehicles, resulting in 724 seizures.

Expired road tax and the absence of valid vehicle insurance emerged as the most common violations, with 29,994 cases reported. This was followed by 20,414 instances of drivers operating vehicles without a valid licence and 15,610 technical infractions, including issues related to tyres and brakes.

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli emphasised the importance of vehicle owners ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys. He noted that these offences pose risks not only to the drivers themselves but also to other road users.

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Ferrari Tightens Control Over Customisation and Buyer Eligibility

Ferrari has long maintained an exclusive approach to its brand, selectively choosing who can purchase its high-end vehicles. Over the years, several public figures have reportedly been blacklisted from acquiring Ferraris, with the automaker citing concerns over brand image and unauthorised modifications.

The increasing popularity of Ferrari’s in-house customisation program has become a double-edged sword. While offering customers the ability to personalise their vehicles generates significant revenue, certain excessive or outlandish requests have raised concerns about the brand’s image. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna recently acknowledged the issue, stating that the company is now considering pre-defining acceptable colour combinations to ensure brand integrity.

Vigna revealed that while the classic Rosso Corsa remains a staple, only about 40% of buyers still opt for it. Many clients are now selecting unique colours through Ferrari’s customisation program in an effort to stand out. However, requests perceived as excessively “bling,” “strange,” or “garish”—as described in a report—are prompting Ferrari to reconsider its approach.

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