Another week is over and we have exciting news from the local and international auto arena. In the local market, we experienced several big events including Chery Tiggo 7 Pro C-SUV ROI starts, the launch 2 new Honda models, the updated Honda Certified Used Car (HCUC) program, the announcement of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia yearly Raya promo, deliveries beginning for Tesla Model Y, and much more.

Let’s check out all the major auto events in detail.

Local news

Chery Tiggo 7 Pro C-SUV open for registration

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro C-SUV will soon debut in Malaysia with its registration of interest now open. As per early details, the C-segment SUV will be powered by a 1.6 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making a maximum power output of 197 hp and 290 Nm of torque, transmitted through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Its specs kit will include a ‘540-degree’ camera system, an eight-speaker Sony audio system, and a 24.6-inch dual screen.

Caltex Fuel Your School program launched by Chevron

The Caltex brand and service stations in the country are operated by Chevron Malaysia. The same has announced the launch of the latest edition of the Caltex Fuel Your School which aims to ignite interest in STEM (science, technology, English, and mathematics) among school students.

Honda Malaysia is set to launch two new models

Honda Malaysia today confirmed that by the end of 2024, the company will launch a pair of new models, both of which will double down to e:hev hybrid models. We think it would be the Civic and City Hatchback cars to benefit from the new hybrid trims.

Honda Certified Used Car (HCUC) program to be expanded to 32 locations

Honda Malaysia recently announced the expansion of its Honda Certified Used Car (HCUC) network. The main objective of this program is to give Malaysian consumers a chance to purchase a verified, pre-owned Honda vehicle through an accessible and trustworthy platform.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia yearly Raya promo

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is offering RM 2,000 rebate on the Triton pick-up truck from now until March 31. Variants eligible for the discount are the AT Premium (along with its limited edition model) and the range-topping Athlete variant.

New accessories package for Mitsubishi Triton AT Premium limited edition

Mitsubishi is offering the Triton AT Premium limited edition with a new accessories package that is valued at RM 10,800. Part of the package is a chunky red and black front skid plate, gloss black over-fenders, door visors, matte black sports bar, 18-inch black six-split-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in chunky Yokohama Geolandar tires, illuminated side sill scuff plates, and headrests embroidered with the decal pattern seen on the outside.

7-year extended service package for Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro

Chery Malaysia is offering additional peace of mind to new customers by announcing the availability of a new “Extra Peace of Mind” extended service maintenance and warranty package for the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro. The package is available at an extra cost of RM 11,600 and can be obtained at the time of purchase. Part of the kit is essential maintenance and scheduled services for the first seven years of ownership, alongside a 10-year/1 million km mileage warranty for the engine.

The scheduled maintenance covers the replacement of the usual fluids and wear-and-tear items, including engine oil, engine oil filter, radiator coolant, brake fluid, air filter, spark plugs, engine oil washer, and transmission oil.

Proton wins National Energy Awards (NEA) 2023

Proton’s Tanjung Malim plant power comprising the largest parking lot with a bi-facial solar panel facility in the country has clinched the top spot in the Renewable Energy category under the on-grid (National Grid) segment at the National Energy Awards (NEA) 2023.
From May 2021 to January 2024, the bi-facial solar panels (they generates energy from direct sunlight and reflected sunlight), together with the solar panels on the factory roof, have reduced carbon emissions by 32,406 tonnes at the national automaker’s plant.

Bermaz Auto is XPeng’s distributor in Malaysia

As per a recent announcement, Bermaz Auto will be responsible for the sale of spare parts and after-sales services for the XPeng brand in the country. Bermaz Auto is currently the brand custodian for Mazda and Kia in Malaysia. As for Xpeng, it is a multinational EV company formed by two former GAC Motor executives. The automaker currently has seven models under its wing, including the P7i and P5 sedans, G9 and G6 SUVs, as well as the X9 flagship MPV that was only unveiled in January this year. As part of the brand’s global push, the G6 SUV will be the first model to receive the right-hand-drive treatment.

Lotus opens its first outlet in Malaysia

Lotus Cars Malaysia has opened its first Lotus Store in the country. Located at Pavilion Damansara Heights, the new showroom covers a 173.58 m² area. The store houses two of the brand’s latest products in Malaysia – the Eletre and the Emira sports car and has a dedicated wing for exclusive Lotus merchandise and apparel along with a lounge area. The Lotus Store at Pavilion Damansara Heights is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Deliveries begin for Tesla Model Y

As of Mar 12, 2024, Tesla Malaysia has started deliveries of the Tesla Model Y. Customers took delivery of their much-awaited all-electric Tesla SUV from Tesla Malaysia’s Cyberjaya Experience Centre. For those who aren’t aware, the Model Y is available in three variants, namely the Model Y RWD, Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD, and the Model Y Performance. Prices for the American all-electric SUV start at RM199,000.

Mercedes-Benz GLS teases facelift

In its recent social media post Mercedes-Benz Malaysia teased the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS along with the S63 sedan. The automaker also gave hits about the three cars getting launched between April 3-7, 2024.

All-new Peugeot 408 to launch in Q2 2024

Stellantis Malaysia National Sales Company, the new official distributor of Peugeot cars in the country, has officially begun operations as of 1 March 2024. The company recently revealed its potential future line-up that it plans to introduce into Malaysia during its recent Investor Day. Part of the list is the all-new Peugeot 408 (in Q2 2024), as well as the Peugeot Landtrek in CKD form.

Aside from Peugeot models, the Citroen C3 Aircross, Alfa Romeo Tonale MHEV, and Jeep Wrangler will also be showcased at the event, hinting at a possible future introduction in the country.

2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport revised in Malaysia

Launched just four months ago, the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport has received its first revisions. The 2024 model is just RM 300 expensive and includes features such as 22 kW AC charging as standard (previously maxed at 11 kW), smaller 20-inch Style 939M wheels (previously 21-inch Style 954M wheels), new interior color option (Leather Merino Silverstone), and 4 new exterior color options (Sophisto Grey Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, Cape York Green Metallic, and Fire Red Metallic).

2024 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line 3.0 TFSI V6 facelift in Malaysia

VW Touareg is back in the local market, the 3rd gen model arrives in CKD locally-assembled 3.0 TFSI V6 form and sits at top of the VW Malaysia’s lineup. Priced at RM 472,222 (on-the-road without insurance) which includes the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), consisting of a five-year, unlimited-mileage extended warranty and a five-year maintenance package.

Powering the car is a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 producing a max power output of 340 PS and 450 Nm of torque. All the power is sent to all four wheels via the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

International news

Honda HR-V facelift debuts in Japan

The facelifted Honda HR-V, aka Vezel in Japan, was just unveiled in Japan. The update not only gives the car design updates but also works to its e:HEV hybrid powertrain. The car now gets a redesigned grille and bumper as well as a new tail light. In addition to the standard design update, the car also gets two new special design packages - the HuNT and PLaY.

Porsche Taycan Turbo GT unveiled

The Taycan line-up is now bigger and better than ever with the launch of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with the Weissach package; the Turbo S trim is no longer part of the offering. The car is also now offered as a 2-seater option. Both the new Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and its Weissach version pump out a max output of 788 hp at the base. It can also deploy an over-boost of 1,108 hp for 2 seconds.

Indonesia to locally-assemble Neta V

PT Neta Auto Indonesia has confirmed that starting May 2024, it will begin local assembly of the brand’s Neta electric vehicles. The CKD operations will be done in collaboration with PT Handal Indonesia Motor, at the Ungu Bekasi Factory in West Java.

Kia EV9 launched in Thailand

Kia’s flagship electric vehicle (EV), the Kia EV9 has been officially launched in Thailand. The EV is offered in two variants namely, the Earth Long Range RWD and the GT-Line Long Range AWD. The models are priced at 3.5 million baht (approx. RM463,322) and 3.9 million baht (approx. RM516,208) respectively. Delivery for the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD in Thailand will start in April 2024. The Long Range AWD variant, on the other hand, will be delivered starting from June 2024.

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