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In a tragic incident at a factory area on Jalan Lahat-Simpang Pulai, a lorry driver with a record of 100 traffic summonses has been implicated in the death of an elderly man. The accident occurred on Wednesday, June 5.

Ipoh police chief ACP Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad revealed that the 44-year-old lorry driver also has three previous traffic accident offences. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver, while reversing his vehicle, failed to notice the senior citizen standing behind. The impact resulted in the victim’s immediate death due to severe injuries to the chest and abdomen. The lorry driver did not sustain any injuries.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for causing death due to reckless or dangerous driving.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the accident to come forward and assist with the investigation. Individuals with information are urged to contact the investigating officer, Insp Muhammad Syafiq Fauze, at 013-6713177, or visit the nearest police station.

This incident highlights the critical need for stringent enforcement of traffic regulations and the importance of maintaining road safety to prevent such unfortunate occurrences.

In a significant move for the future of autonomous driving, China has granted nine companies the green light to begin testing Level 3 autonomous driving systems on public roads. This approval comes approximately eight months after the Chinese government issued guidelines for the nationwide initiative and started accepting applications from firms interested in testing their self-driving technologies.

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has confirmed that Nio, BYD, Changan Auto, GAC, SAIC, BAIC BluePark, China FAW Group, SAIC Hongyan, and Yutong Bus have received approval to test their autonomous vehicles on restricted roads. These tests will allow drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel, marking a significant step towards the deployment of Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles in China.

While Level 3 autonomous vehicles are not yet commercially available in China, these tests are expected to pave the way for the introduction of such systems for individual buyers and fleet operators. Currently, at least 10 car manufacturers in China, including Huawei and Xpeng, sell vehicles equipped with Level 2 systems.

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Proton has reported a significant 13.6% increase in sales for May, with 12,522 units (domestic and export) sold. This surge has cemented the company’s second position in the national automotive sales ranking, achieving a forecast market share of 19%. The company’s sales for the first five months of the year closed at 62,697 units.

The growth in Proton’s sales aligns with the overall trend in the Total Industry Volume (TIV), which is estimated to have grown by 20.7% to approximately 70,000 units in May. The year-to-date (YTD) TIV figure is estimated at 330,236 units, marking an 8.8% increase over 2023.

 

 

Export Sales Surge

Proton’s efforts to expand into international markets, including Trinidad and Tobago, Bangladesh, and Iraq, have been fruitful, with export sales reaching 509 units in May—the highest shipment recorded for 2024 so far. Since February, the best-selling export model has been the Proton Saga, leading with 360 units exported in May. Cumulative export sales have reached 1,344 units since January.

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The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued a strong advisory to aspiring pilots, emphasising the importance of thorough research into flying schools before enrolling. This comes as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and an increasing number of individuals seek to become pilots.

CAAM, which licenses flying schools and issues clearance letters to trainees after vetting their qualifications, has noted that many aspiring pilots often have unclear expectations or misconceptions regarding the roles of the schools and the regulatory authority. This confusion can lead to frustration and hinder students’ progress toward their aviation careers.

Norazman Mahmud, head of CAAM, advised prospective pilots to visit flying schools to tour the facilities, meet instructors, and understand the training environment. He highlighted the necessity of verifying the schools’ accreditation status, reviewing the training programs offered, and considering the qualifications of instructors and the schools’ safety records.

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Alpina, the renowned automaker famed for its unique blend of luxury and performance, has unveiled the GT versions of its B3 and B4 models. This move caters to BMW enthusiasts desiring a sophisticated package that delivers M-like performance.

The new GT models boast a significant power boost. The twin-turbocharged inline-six engine now delivers 529hp, an increase of 34hp, and 729Nm of torque. This positions the Alpina B3 GT sedan and B3 GT Touring, along with the B4 GT Gran Coupe, on par with BMW’s M3 Competition models.

Alpina has attributed this power increase to revised engine mapping. The enhanced performance allows the B3 GT sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The B3 GT Touring and B4 GT Gran Coupe achieve this in 3.5 seconds. All models feature power distribution to all four wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

Visually, the GT versions maintain a subtle yet distinctive look. They feature small canards and a front splitter, along with a redesigned black diffuser and new exhaust tips. Alpina’s signature shades of blue and green are available, alongside a broad range of BMW Individual colours. The Alpina badging is prominent on both the exterior and interior, including the GT script in Oro Tecnico.

The B3 GT is offered in both sedan and wagon trims. These models, based on the 3 Series, sport the smaller grille compared to the M3, providing a different aesthetic choice for buyers. The B4 GT, available in Gran Coupe format, shares the same power and performance enhancements.

These models will be exclusive to the European market, with deliveries starting in November. Pricing begins at 101,700 Euros (RMRM518,008) for the B3 sedan, 102,900 Euros (RM524,098) for the B3 Touring, and 105,100 Euros (RM535,348) for the B4 GT Gran Coupe.

The new GT versions from Alpina offer a compelling alternative for BMW buyers seeking a luxurious yet powerful driving experience. With M-level performance and unique Alpina styling, these models provide a sophisticated option in the high-performance vehicle segment.

There has been an ongoing debate about whether electric vehicle (EV) owners need to purchase tyres specifically designed for EVs. While some argue that EVs require special tyres, many EV owners find that standard tyres perform well and offer long life. Michelin, a trusted tyre manufacturer, has weighed in on this issue, dispelling the myth that EV-specific tyres are necessary, as reported by Torque News.

 

Before diving into Michelin’s stance, it’s important to understand some widely accepted facts about EVs:

  1. Weight: EVs are generally heavier than similarly sized vehicles with conventional powertrains due to their large batteries.
  2. Torque: EVs offer more torque and deliver it more smoothly than most conventionally powered vehicles.
  3. Noise: EVs are quieter inside the cabin, amplifying tyres and road noise.
  4. Efficiency: Range and efficiency are critical for many EV owners.
  5. Spare tyres: Most EV models do not come with spare tyres.

These characteristics influence tyre selection, emphasising durability, noise reduction, and efficiency. However, these needs are not exclusive to EVs; many conventional vehicles share similar requirements.

Michelin’s Perspective on EV Tyres

Michelin asserts that their latest generation of tyres are “EV Ready” and do not need to be specifically labeled as EV tyres. According to Michelin product managers, their tyres inherently possess the qualities that EV manufacturers and consumers seek, such as long wear, noise reduction, and low rolling resistance.

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