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Transport Ministry Moves to Ban Dummy Seat Belt Buckles

The transport ministry is working with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to prohibit the sale of dummy seat belt buckles, a device used by vehicle owners to bypass seat belt alarms.

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook emphasised the dangers of using these buckles, stating that they allow motorists to deceive seat belt sensors, putting their safety at risk. Despite growing concerns, he acknowledged that the transport ministry does not have the authority to confiscate or ban these accessories. To address this limitation, discussions are underway with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to implement a ban on their sale and distribution.

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Chery Malaysia to Begin Vehicle Exports to Southeast Asia

Chery Corporate Malaysia Sdn Bhd is set to begin exporting vehicles to the Southeast Asian (SEA) market this year, marking a significant milestone as the first Chinese automotive brand to export from Malaysia. This move aligns with Chery’s strategy to position Malaysia as its regional production hub.

Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice President Leo Chen highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. “Chery is progressing well towards establishing Malaysia as our production and research and development (R&D) hub in Southeast Asia. Expanding our exporting capabilities enhances our production capacity to meet the region’s growing demand,” he stated. Chen also emphasised Chery’s role in contributing to Malaysia’s economy, developing local talent, and strengthening the supply chain, reaffirming the company’s ambition to make Malaysia the leading export hub for its vehicles, including its premium sub-brand, Jaecoo.

The initial phase of exports will see Malaysia supplying Jaecoo Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) SUVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) to Vietnam. Additional models and brands are expected to follow, with expansion plans targeting other SEA markets such as Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, and Singapore.

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Audi Plans to Elevate Brand with Ultra-Luxury A8 and SUV Successors

Audi is charting a course further upmarket, positioning itself as an even more prestigious brand with upscale replacements for its flagship models, including the A8 limousine and the Q7 and Q8 SUVs. The German automaker is laying the groundwork for a more luxurious and exclusive brand perception, pushing into higher price segments while maintaining its premium identity.

The Grandsphere concept, unveiled in 2021, hinted at a potential future iteration of the A8 that would elevate it into true luxury territory. Similarly, the 2022 Urbansphere concept suggested that Audi may introduce an even larger, more opulent SUV. Now, the Volkswagen-owned brand is refining its strategy to further enhance its desirability and status.

Audi UK’s new managing director, Jose Miguel Aparicio, emphasised this shift in an interview with Auto Express, stating that the company prioritises prestige and exclusivity over sheer volume. “We are making a step upwards in terms of premiums, increasing the prestige, desirability, and perception of the brand, and more interested in the quality of business than the quantity,” he said.

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British Man Stranded in Malaysia Over RM7 Parking Dispute

A British electrician claims he has been stranded in Malaysia for over two months after his passport was confiscated following a dispute over a RM7 parking fee.

According to a report by the UK newspaper Daily Mail, 47-year-old Ahmed Hadi from London was arrested just three days after arriving in Malaysia with his wife and two daughters on December 4. His ordeal began in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, when a parking payment machine failed to accept either of his credit cards as he attempted to exit the facility with his family.

Hadi recounted that after unsuccessfully trying to make the payment, he pressed the assistance button and engaged in a 10-minute conversation with a parking attendant. However, the issue remained unresolved. Faced with no other option, he gently lifted the plastic barrier, which he claimed collapsed with minimal force.

Two days later, police summoned him to a station, where he was interrogated for two hours regarding the broken barrier. He was subsequently arrested and jailed. The following day, he was brought to court, but the case remained unresolved as authorities sought additional time to investigate the incident.

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BMW Showcases Future Driving Dynamics with Vision Driving Experience Prototype

The BMW Group has unveiled its latest high-performance test vehicle, the BMW Vision Driving Experience, a prototype designed to push the limits of driving pleasure. While not intended for mass production, this Vision Vehicle serves as a rolling test platform for the advanced drivetrain and driving dynamics technology developed for BMW’s next-generation electric models under the Neue Klasse banner.

At the heart of this prototype is the “Heart of Joy,” an advanced control system engineered to redefine electric driving. BMW recently put the system through a rigorous endurance test at the BMW Performance Driving Center in Spartanburg, USA, where it demonstrated its full potential. As part of an exclusive preview presentation, the company provided insights into how the Heart of Joy will shape the electric driving experience in the Neue Klasse models, set to launch later this year from BMW’s Plant Debrecen in Hungary.

The Heart of Joy introduces a new dimension to BMW’s core philosophy of Sheer Driving Pleasure, complementing the Neue Klasse’s focus on electrification, digitalization, and sustainability. The small black control unit at the core of this system is set for series production, even though the Vision Vehicle itself will not enter the market.

Enhancing Driving Pleasure and Efficiency

BMW’s Head of Development, Frank Weber, highlighted the transformative impact of the Heart of Joy, stating that it elevates driving pleasure to unprecedented levels while also enhancing efficiency. The system significantly improves regenerative braking, allowing the vehicle to rely almost entirely on energy recuperation, reducing the need for conventional braking. This efficiency boost aligns with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics strategy, maximizing range and sustainability.

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Toyota Unveils Third-Generation Fuel Cell System for Commercial Applications

Toyota Motor Corporation has introduced its latest innovation in hydrogen technology with the unveiling of its third-generation fuel cell system (3rd Gen FC System). The new system represents a major step forward in Toyota’s vision for a hydrogen-powered future, with advancements in durability, efficiency, and cost reduction.

Designed specifically to meet the needs of the commercial sector, the 3rd Gen FC System offers durability on par with conventional diesel engines while delivering improved performance and efficiency. Toyota has significantly enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced costs compared to the previous generation, making the new system more viable for widespread adoption. The company plans to roll out the system primarily in Japan, Europe, North America, and China, with commercial availability expected after 2026.

Toyota has scheduled the official unveiling of the 3rd Gen FC System for February 19, 2025, at the H2 & FC EXPO in Tokyo, Japan. The event will mark the first public display of the new technology, highlighting its potential applications in various industries.

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