The first week of April 2024 comes to an end and with it, we have a lot happening in the both local and international auto industry. For instance, Malaysia will be soon getting several new cars including the Kia EV9, Tesla Cybertruck, and Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC. Below we have detailed major auto happenings, so, without wasting any more time let’s check out the news.

Local News

Proton Digital Experience (DX) Centre announced

Proton along with China Construction Bank (CCB) recently announced Proton Digital Experience (DX) Centre availability. The center will serve as a community engagement platform for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exploration.

The said center is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and spans over 5,000 sq ft area which enables it to fit almost 40 guests. Also present is a private VIP lounge with an 86-inch TV for meetings.

9,688 Toyota cars sold in March 2024

UMW Toyota Motor has announced sales figures for March 2024 wherein the automaker sold a total of 9,688 units which is 29.5% higher than the previous month. In the total sales figure, Toyota and Lexus shared 9,471 and 217 units respectively.

Tesla Cybertruck teased

One of the noteworthy events of the week will be Tesla Malaysia dropping a teaser video of its upcoming pickup truck, the Cybertruck. In the video, the Tesla can be seen transported down from a cargo plane and is covered in a black cloth. Which variant of the Cybertruck will make it to the country is not clear yet; globally the pickup is offered in three variants - the entry-level RWD, mid-spec AWD, and range-topping tri-motor AWD.

Also Read: What's all the hype around the Tesla Cybertruck? Let's find out

39,150 Proton cars sold in first quarter of 2024

As we enter Q2 2024, automakers have started analyzing their Q1 performance. For instance, Proton sold a total of 39,150 cars in the first quarter of the year with March contributing 12,666 units. Compared to Q1 2023, the national automaker sold 2.8% less cars.

New Aurora Green color for Tiggo 8 Pro

Chery Malaysia is now offering its flagship SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro, in a new attractive hue called Aurora Green. Limited to just 120 units, the new color tone’s arrival is perfectly timed for the Hari Raya celebration. Priced the same as the standard model i.e., RM 159,800 which includes a 7-year/150,000 km warranty, with five years of free labor service.

Stellantis Malaysia to introduce affordable EVs

Stellantis Malaysia has revealed its plans for the Malaysian market wherein it will introduce “affordable EVs'' via Leap Motor. In addition, it is also under plans to revive several iconic brands under its wing in the country including Jeep, Citroen, Jeep, Peugeot, and Leapmotor.

Malaysia to assemble a Mercedes-AMG car

Malaysia will soon assemble a Mercedes-AMG car with the automaker’s hand-built engine using Mercedes’ “One Man, One Engine” philosophy. What makes the news special is the fact that it is the first time a Mercedes-AMG car has been assembled outside Germany.

Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC previewed

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will soon launch the CLE 300 4MATIC in the country with the car recently previewed. On its arrival, the CLE 300 4MATIC will replace the C-Class and E-Class Coupe. With an est. priced at RM 526,000, the upcoming Mercedes will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making a maximum power output of 258 hp (metric) along with a peak torque of 400 Nm. Also present is a mild hybrid system that offers additional power of 23 hp and 205 Nm.

Note, the final specifications of the MY-spec CLE have yet to be confirmed.

Three new hues for Tesla Model Y

Tesla Malaysia is now offering the Model Y EV in three new color hues namely, Quicksilver, Stealth Grey, and Ultra Red. The three new colors are available at extra cost, RM7,500 for the first two, and RM11,000 for the Ultra Red.

A newly revamped BMW Premium Selection outlet opens up

BMW Malaysia has opened its revamped retail outlet at Chan Sow Lin. The outlet now features upgraded facilities and renewed services “tailored to the modern conscious customer”. The 35,000 sq. ft. showroom is fed across two floors and will display cars from both the BMW Premium Selection and MINI Used Car Next portfolios.

A few of the key inclusions include a central hospitality area, BMW bar and lounge, dedicated Parts, Accessories, and Lifestyle display area for merchandise, and a fully-equipped service center with a Reception at the Car bay.

Toyota Hiace Super Long Wheelbase open for booking

The Toyota Hiace Super Long Wheelbase (SLWB) window van is now open for bookings. Priced at RM169,000, the 10-seater is powered by a 2.8-litre 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine that makes 177 hp at 3,400 rpm and 450 Nm between 1,600 rpm to 2,400 rpm. The drive is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.

Kia EV9 open for booking

Kia Malaysia is now accepting orders for the EV9. According to the automaker, the RG will be offered in two configurations ( six- and seven-seater) and is expected to be priced around RM 450k. Though nothing is confirmed, the new Kia’s launch might take place in May 2024.

Tesla Supercharger in Penang

The total number of Tesla Supercharger stations in the country has gone up to eight with a new station recently opened up in Sunway Carnival, Seberang Perai in Penang. The facility features four V3 DC fast chargers, thus bringing the total number of Superchargers in Malaysia to 40.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches trio

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially launched three of its most glamorous and powerful models, the W223 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance, the X167 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift, and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS facelift. Thus bringing a new level of luxury and performance to the Malaysian market.

International news

Lamborghini revamps its logo after 20 years

For the very first time in over two decades, Lamborghini has introduced a new logo. According to the luxury automaker, the new logo is redefined by a broader Lamborghini typeface and showcases minimal yet bold colors. Also, the iconic bull present in the center of the brand logo has undergone a major change.

Tesla made its 6th million car

Tesla has been around for 21 years and only in the past 16 years, it began production of the first Roadster. And now the automaker has reached its 6th millionth car with the last million rolled off the production line in the past six months and another million six months before that.

Thailand gets the all-new Lotus Emeya

Lotus Emeya is now open for booking in Thailand. The car is the brand’s second EV and first hyper-GT model and in Thailand, it is offered in two configurations namely, Emeya S and Emeya R. The two variants are priced at 5.99 million baht (approx. RM778k) and 6.89 million baht (approx. RM895k) respectively.

The Lotus Emeya S houses a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric motor setup that puts out 603 hp and 710 Nm, while the Emeya R features a dual-motor all-wheel drive electric motor setup but produces more power at 905 hp and 985 Nm.

Also Read: BYD teases upcoming electric pickup truck; set for global release in 2024