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Toyota and Waymo Forge Strategic Alliance to Advance Autonomous Vehicle Development

Toyota Motor Corporation has entered into a preliminary agreement with Waymo, the autonomous driving technology company originally founded as part of Google’s self-driving car initiative in 2009, to explore a far-reaching collaboration aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of autonomous driving technologies. The initiative signals a major step forward in the integration of advanced mobility systems, as both companies seek to combine their technological strengths.

Joining the partnership is Woven by Toyota, the mobility and software innovation arm of Toyota. Woven will act as a strategic enabler, contributing its expertise in advanced software architecture and digital mobility solutions. Together, the three entities are aligning behind a shared vision of increasing road safety and expanding access to mobility through the advancement of autonomous technologies.

Central to the potential collaboration is the creation of a new autonomous vehicle platform. The companies will also evaluate how Waymo’s state-of-the-art self-driving technology can be integrated with Toyota’s manufacturing and vehicle design expertise to support the next generation of personally owned vehicles (POVs). This would mark a significant evolution for autonomous driving beyond fleet-based ride-hailing services, broadening its reach into the consumer market. While the exact parameters of the partnership are still under discussion, both parties have expressed a strong commitment to furthering the development of safe and scalable driver-assistance technologies.

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Aston Martin Unveils DBX S: A Lighter, Sharper and More Powerful Flagship SUV

Aston Martin has officially introduced its latest flagship SUV, the DBX S, a high-performance evolution of the DBX range that sets new benchmarks for dynamic capability, design presence and technological innovation. Drawing from its storied tradition of ‘S’ models, the DBX S enters the line-up as a lighter, more powerful and strikingly assertive sibling to the DBX707.

At the core of the DBX S is an upgraded version of Aston Martin’s acclaimed 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Enhanced with turbocharger technology derived directly from the forthcoming Valhalla supercar, including larger compressor wheels and other internal refinements, the powertrain now delivers 727PS—an increase of 20PS over the DBX707. This results in a 0–100km/h sprint time of just 3.3 seconds, while the 0–200km/h time has been reduced by 0.3 seconds. The top speed remains unchanged at 310km/h.

Performance has been further bolstered with a revised exhaust system, amplifying the already sonorous character of the V8. Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s innovative nine-speed wet clutch transmission ensures optimal torque distribution between axles, offering up to 100 per cent rear-wheel torque for a rear-biased driving feel. The DBX S’s gearbox has undergone further calibration, allowing more aggressive downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes and adjusted upshift points to suit the extended rev range.

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Auto Shanghai 2025: Xpeng G9 2025 Edition Displayed, 66 Enhancements and Advanced Turing AI Driving System

Xpeng displayed the 2025 iteration of its flagship electric SUV, the G9, at the Auto Shanghai 2025, showcasing a total of 66 enhancements over its predecessor. According to Xpeng chairman He Xiaopeng, the updated model is anchored by the introduction of the brand’s next-generation Turing AI intelligent driving system—an innovation that eliminates the need for LiDAR and significantly enhances autonomous driving capabilities.

The new G9 retains the foundational design of the current model, continuing with the X Robot Face 3.0 styling language. The SUV measures 4,891 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,680 mm in height, while maintaining a wheelbase of 2,998 mm, making it slightly bigger than the Xpeng G6 that we have in our Malaysian market. Aesthetic updates include new electric suction doors, an automatic tailgate, and updated 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Xpeng will also offer a special “Black Warrior” edition, finished entirely in black, including blacked-out rims, emblems, and fenders, to cater to buyers seeking a more aggressive appearance.

The 2025 G9 is equipped with Xpeng’s proprietary Turing AI driving system, which replaces LiDAR with a sensor suite comprising 11 cameras, three millimetre-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This setup reportedly increases visual perception distance by 125% compared to the previous system, while improving object recognition speed by 40%. Both stationary and moving obstacles can be identified with high precision, marking a leap forward in autonomous functionality.

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Auto Shanghai 2025: GWM Previews Pre-Production Version of the Ora 07 Touring

GWM has unveiled the pre-production version of its new Ora 07 Touring at the Auto Shanghai 2025 motor show, offering a glimpse at the brand’s future direction for its electric vehicle (EV) range. While still in development, the Touring variant hints at a more practical evolution of the sleek Ora 07 sedan.

Stylistically, the vehicle remains largely consistent with the standard Ora 07, a model often likened to the Porsche Panamera due to its silhouette. In keeping with that comparison, GWM’s Touring variant draws parallels with the Panamera Sport Turismo, featuring a more estate-like profile.

The most notable design update is found at the rear, where the conventional sloping roofline has been replaced by an extended D-pillar to form a shooting brake-style silhouette. Another significant exterior addition is the LiDAR sensor positioned above the front windscreen, suggesting the possibility of enhanced driver assistance systems in future production models.

The Touring sits on blacked-out 19-inch alloy wheels, matched with red brake callipers and fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, further underlining its sporty character.

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PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealer Network to Meet Growing EV Demand

Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET) is accelerating its efforts to make sustainable mobility more accessible across the country. Responding to the rising demand for Proton e.MAS vehicles, PRO-NET is expanding its dealership network, building on the 31 outlets already in operation and appointing an additional nine dealerships. This brings the total number of appointed dealers to 40, reflecting the strong nationwide interest and growing support for the brand.

The expansion is intended not merely to increase the brand’s presence, but to deepen trust and ensure that the Proton e.MAS experience is accessible to more Malaysians. With the Proton e.MAS 7 already attracting significant attention nationwide, PRO-NET is focused on encouraging greater confidence among consumers considering the switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric alternatives.

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Auto Shanghai 2025: GWM Ora 03 GT Displayed, Malaysian Launch Soon!

GWM Malaysia is preparing to introduce the high-performance Ora 03 (Good Cat) GT to the Malaysian market, following its recent appearance at Auto Shanghai 2025. The sportier and more dynamic version of the popular Good Cat signals GWM’s continued push into the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with the company confirming that bookings will open soon and deliveries are expected in the coming months.

The Ora Good Cat GT made a strong impression following its successful debut in Thailand and is set to bring a heightened level of excitement to Malaysia’s EV landscape. GWM Malaysia sees the launch as a crucial step in strengthening its electrification strategy and expanding its growing range of electric models in the country. Although pricing and full specifications have yet to be announced, expectations are high for the new model to appeal to design-conscious and performance-oriented buyers.

With an emphasis on sportier styling and enhanced performance, the Ora Good Cat GT departs significantly from the standard model. The exterior design features a striking black and yellow dual-tone finish, complemented by carbon-fibre-style accents that give the vehicle a more aggressive appearance. Larger 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with distinctive yellow brake callipers and revised front and rear bumpers further reinforce its athletic stance.

Inside the cabin, the Good Cat GT has been upgraded with premium Alcantara upholstery and GT-branded sports seats, aiming to deliver a more dynamic and premium driving experience. Performance improvements are also notable, with the GT variant delivering 169hp and 250Nm of torque, a significant boost over the standard model’s 141hp output. The model is powered by a 57.7 kWh battery, offering an estimated range of 460km based on the NEDC testing cycle. While this figure is slightly lower than that of the regular Good Cat, the reduction is attributed to the model’s sportier tuning and performance upgrades.

Positioned to compete against rivals such as the BYD Dolphin and MG 4 EV, the Ora Good Cat GT seeks to differentiate itself with its distinctive design and youthful appeal. GWM Malaysia believes the model’s unique combination of sporty aesthetics and enhanced driving performance will allow it to carve a strong niche in the increasingly competitive Malaysian EV market.

Further announcements regarding pricing, detailed specifications, and test drive opportunities are expected in the near future. The Ora Good Cat GT is poised to become one of the year’s most anticipated electric vehicle launches, strengthening GWM’s presence and influence in Malaysia’s rapidly evolving automotive sector.