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Pengerusi Kumpulan Geely Holding, Li Shufu, mengesahkan semula strategi dual-track syarikat automotif terkemuka China itu dalam membangunkan kenderaan enjin pembakaran dalaman (ICE) dan kenderaan elektrik pintar (EV), menolak sepenuhnya sebarang cadangan untuk meninggalkan teknologi konvensional demi elektrifikasi sepenuhnya.

Dalam ucapan dalaman yang disampaikan baru-baru ini kepada warga kerja Geely, Li menegaskan bahawa syarikat akan terus memperuntukkan pelaburan besar kepada pembangunan teknologi ICE dan hibrid, sambil mempercepatkan kemajuan dalam penawaran EV. Beliau menyifatkan pendekatan ini sebagai “berjalan dengan dua kaki,” satu strategi jangka panjang yang mengekalkan keseimbangan antara inovasi mobiliti masa depan dan kecekapan rangkaian kuasa tradisional yang terbukti. “Kami tidak akan mengurangkan pembangunan ICE,” tegas Li. “Permintaan terhadap enjin pembakaran dalaman masih tinggi di banyak pasaran global. Justeru, Geely akan terus memimpin dalam kedua-dua bidang – ICE dan EV.”

Li juga menekankan bahawa kehadiran antarabangsa Geely bukanlah hasil urus niaga semata-mata, tetapi sebahagian daripada strategi menyeluruh untuk menyerap kepakaran global. Pemerolehan syarikat seperti Volvo dan Lotus, serta pelaburan dalam Mercedes-Benz dan Aston Martin, menurut Li, telah memberikan Geely akses kepada teknologi keselamatan, kejuruteraan prestasi, kemewahan dan pengurusan jenama bertaraf dunia. “Kejayaan jangka panjang dalam industri automotif memerlukan pengetahuan mendalam, jaringan global dan identiti jenama yang kukuh,” katanya. “Kerjasama antarabangsa kami adalah asas kepada pertumbuhan dan pembelajaran kami.”

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Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu has reaffirmed the Chinese automotive giant’s dual-track strategy of developing both traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and smart electric models, signalling a firm stance against abandoning conventional powertrains in favour of full electrification.

In a recent internal address to employees, Li made clear that Geely will continue to allocate significant resources towards the development of ICE and hybrid technologies while simultaneously advancing its electric vehicle (EV) offerings. He described the company’s long-term approach as “walking on two legs,” underlining the importance of maintaining balance between established propulsion systems and the innovations of future mobility.

Li dismissed suggestions that Geely would scale back its ICE operations. Instead, he stressed that the company would remain invested in refining and leading in traditional powertrains, particularly as global demand for such vehicles persists in many markets. This commitment, he explained, ensures the company’s resilience and flexibility amid the fast-evolving automotive landscape.

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One year since the establishment of the Proton Research and Development Centre (PRDC) in Hangzhou Bay, China, Proton’s partnership with Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd has significantly advanced the company’s technological capabilities. This strategic collaboration is proving instrumental in transforming the Malaysian automaker into a competitive player in intelligent vehicle development and electric mobility.

At the heart of this alliance is a commitment to innovation and knowledge-sharing. The PRDC has become a vital hub for technical collaboration, helping Proton fast-track product development and introduce new technologies across its model range. The facility implements a structured New Product Development System (NPDS), which ensures seamless integration from concept to final validation stages. This approach guarantees efficient execution and alignment throughout the development lifecycle.

Senior Engineer Wan Fatin Nur Amira Binti Wan Rusli, who oversees Electrical and Electronics (E&E) integration, highlighted the benefits of access to advanced tools and platforms. She noted that the integration of next-generation E&E systems is a major driver in Proton’s development of intelligent vehicles.

In terms of driving dynamics, significant progress has also been achieved. Lead Engineer Muhammad Hafiz Bin Zabidi reported improvements in chassis and suspension configurations, refined for local road conditions, alongside advancements in braking systems, noise reduction, and fuel economy. Benchmarking against global competitors is also ongoing, ensuring that Proton’s new models remain competitive and appealing to a broader audience.

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Xiaomi unveiled its second electric vehicle and first SUV, the YU7, marking a significant advancement in its transformation into a car manufacturer. Building on the momentum of the SU7 electric sedan, which has already seen over 258,000 units delivered, the company plans to officially launch the YU7 in July 2025.

The YU7 is positioned as a mid-to-large electric SUV, developed on Xiaomi’s proprietary Modena platform. With dimensions measuring 4,999mm in length, 1,996mm in width, and 1,608mm in height, alongside a 3,000 mm wheelbase, the SUV is longer and wider but slightly shorter than a Tesla Model Y Juniper. Depending on the configuration, its kerb weight ranges from 2,140 kg to 2,460 kg. Exterior options include nine colour finishes, among them a distinctive green inspired by Colombian emeralds, as well as vibrant orange and metallic titanium variants. Buyers can choose between 19- or 20-inch wheels.

Technological sophistication is evident throughout the vehicle. The YU7 features flush, inward-folding electric door handles with ambient lighting and Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, enabling seamless smartphone-based keyless entry and boot access. Inside, the cabin boasts Nappa leather upholstery with “zero gravity” front seats that recline to 123 degrees and include 10-point massage functions. Rear passengers are provided with 135-degree power-adjustable seats and a 6.68-inch touchscreen for individual control of climate, audio, and navigation.

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Nissan secara rasmi memperkenalkan MICRA generasi keenam, sebuah model kompak elektrik sepenuhnya yang bakal mengukir semula kehadirannya dalam segmen B Eropah menjelang tahun 2025. Kemunculan semula model ikonik ini mencerminkan langkah transformatif Nissan ke arah mobiliti tanpa pelepasan karbon, sambil mengekalkan gaya dan keterjangkauan yang telah menjadi identiti MICRA selama lebih empat dekad.

Dibangunkan oleh Nissan Design Europe (NDE) yang berpangkalan di London, MICRA baharu tampil dengan rekaan luaran yang berani dan moden, diinspirasikan oleh elemen reka bentuk crossover. Rupa bentuknya yang tegas menyerlah melalui garisan tajam, gerbang roda yang menonjol, serta perkadaran seperti SUV. Kesemua varian akan dilengkapi dengan rim aloi 18 inci, dengan reka bentuk berbeza mengikut gred.

Pencahayaan juga memainkan peranan penting dalam menzahirkan identiti visual MICRA. Lampu utama dilengkapi paparan animasi ‘selamat datang’ dan ‘perpisahan’ semasa kenderaan dikunci atau dibuka, manakala lampu belakang LED direka dengan corak bulat yang elegan. Pengguna turut boleh memilih daripada 14 kombinasi warna, termasuk pilihan dua tona dengan bumbung berwarna hitam atau kelabu, untuk memperibadikan kenderaan mengikut cita rasa masing-masing.

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Jualan kenderaan elektrik (EV) global dijangka kekal berada pada trajektori pertumbuhan positif tahun ini, meskipun berdepan cabaran geopolitik dan pengenaan tarif baharu oleh Amerika Syarikat, demikian menurut Laporan Tahunan Agensi Tenaga Antarabangsa (IEA).

Laporan itu mendedahkan bahawa menjelang akhir tahun 2025, satu daripada setiap empat kenderaan yang dijual di seluruh dunia akan terdiri daripada kenderaan elektrik, mencerminkan perubahan ketara dalam trend pemilikan kenderaan serta daya tarikan terhadap kos operasi jangka panjang yang lebih rendah.

Ketua Pengarah IEA, Dr. Fatih Birol, berkata sektor EV kini berada pada landasan kukuh dalam laluan pertumbuhan global. Beliau menjangkakan bahawa menjelang 2030, lebih 40 peratus daripada jualan kereta global akan terdiri daripada model elektrik.

“Gabungan kemampuan, dasar kerajaan yang menyokong serta kemajuan teknologi telah mempercepatkan penggunaan EV di seluruh dunia,” katanya dalam kenyataan.

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Electric vehicle (EV) sales are on track to continue their upward trajectory this year, despite geopolitical uncertainties and the imposition of fresh tariffs by the United States, the International Energy Agency (IEA) revealed in its latest annual report.

According to the agency, electric cars are expected to make up one in every four vehicles sold globally by the end of 2025, a reflection of shifting consumer preferences and the growing appeal of lower long-term operating costs. The IEA highlighted that affordability and advancements in EV technology are accelerating global adoption rates.

Fatih Birol, Director-General of the IEA, noted that electric vehicles are firmly positioned on a global growth path. He forecasted that by 2030, over 40 per cent of global car sales will be electric, signalling a significant transformation in the automotive landscape.

The surge in demand is already evident. In 2024 alone, global EV sales—including plug-in hybrid models—reached over 17 million units, representing an increase of more than 3.5 million from the previous year. The first quarter of 2025 saw sales jump by 35 per cent year-on-year, with full-year figures expected to surpass 20 million units.

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Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Neta Auto, a Chinese electric vehicle company facing severe financial distress, reported by Car News China. The potential deal, though not confirmed by Toyota, was highlighted in a report by Kuai Technology on 12 May, suggesting that such a move could serve to strengthen Toyota’s electric vehicle strategy in China, the world’s most competitive EV market.

Neta Auto, operated by Hozon New Energy Auto and founded in 2014, has been in crisis since the middle of 2024. The company halted production and implemented mass layoffs, while simultaneously scrambling to secure outside investment. In February this year, a much-anticipated Series E financing round failed. This round was projected to raise between 4 billion and 4.5 billion yuan (approximately USD 552–621 million), with the bulk of funding—3 billion yuan (USD 414 million)—expected from a lead investor associated with a BRICS country fund. However, the investment was conditional upon the company restarting production and attracting additional matching funds, neither of which came to fruition, prompting the investor to withdraw and causing the financing effort to collapse.

Although Neta attempted to restart operations by briefly reopening its Tongxiang facility in January, a shortage of essential components prevented production from resuming. This setback had a domino effect, undermining investor confidence and leading to a dramatic decline in the company’s valuation.

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Nissan Motor has shelved its plans to construct a new electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Kitakyushu, southern Japan, marking a significant shift in the automaker’s electrification strategy as it grapples with deepening financial challenges.

Initially announced in January through an agreement with the Kitakyushu municipal government, the project was intended to produce lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. These batteries, known for their cost-efficiency, were expected to reduce production costs by as much as 30 per cent compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The facility had been a cornerstone of Nissan’s efforts to enhance the affordability and competitiveness of its EV line-up.

However, the automaker has decided to abandon the initiative following an internal review of its EV-related investments. The cancellation comes as the company responds to sluggish sales across key international markets, most notably the United States and China, where declining demand has eroded its profitability.

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Bulan April menyaksikan Proton mencapai peningkatan jualan unutk menambah  pegangan pasaran bagi syarikat. Jualan kumpulan pada bulan itu mencapai 12,692 unit (domestik, eksport,  smart, Proton e.MAS), peningkatan 14.7% berbanding bulan yang sama pada 2024 dan hasilnya, bahagian  pasaran bagi bulan itu dianggarkan sebanyak 20.8%. Sebaliknya, Jumlah Volum Industri (TIV) dianggarkan  meningkat hanya 1.8% berbanding April tahun lalu kepada 60,886 dan menurun sebanyak 16.3% berbanding Mac akibat kesan tempoh perayaan.  

Keputusan ini telah mengukuhkan kedudukan syarikat di tangga kedua pada senarai jualan automotif Malaysia dan datang padamasa tawaran dan potongan harga oleh jenama baharu mengakibatkan keadaan pasaran yang  sangat kompetitif dan memberi pembeli kereta pelbagai pilihan. 

Proton e.MAS 7 mendahului jualan EV keseluruhan dan tiga model ICE mendahului segmen

Salah satu kisah kejayaan terbesar untuk 2025 ialah prestasi jualan yang kukuh bagi Proton e.MAS 7, yang  menyaksikan jumlahnya meningkat setiap bulan sejak pelancaran pada 16 Disember 2024. Trend itu berterusan  pada April apabila model EV pertama Proton menembusi kekangan 800-unit dengan mencapai 863-unit  (domestik + eksport). Ini menjadikan jualan tahun sehingga kini (YTD) kepada 2,716 unit dan meletakkan model  itu sebagai EV terlaris di negara dan jenama Proton e.MAS di tempat kedua untuk jualan EV keseluruhan  walaupun pada masa ini hanya mempunyai satu model dalam rangkaiannya. Lebih penting lagi, hasilnya  bermakna EV kini menyumbang 6% daripada keseluruhan jualan Proton. 

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