Weekly update: Hyundai's first lifestyle showroom opened, new Lexus RX revealed, seven new Kawasaki dealers announced, and more

It's that time of the week again when we bring you all the major happenings in the local as well as international auto/motor industry. Thus making sure you haven't missed out on anything, be it a launch, recall, or even a new technology that'll make driving more fun or safe. So, without any delay, let's get started with the weekly update.

Major local automobile news -

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia employs robots

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has employed two Robot Assistants at Sime Darby Motors City, Ara Damansara showroom. These robots will be used for customer-facing autonomous services and are a part of a collaboration between the company and Secure Robotics (a leading modern technology company in Malaysia). These robots are equipped with features such as laser radar sensors, wireless internet connectivity, GPS, and voice, image, and facial recognition.

Volvo XC40 Recharge sold out for the model year 2022

Volvo Cars Malaysia will close online order requests for the 2022 XC40 Recharge and will resume booking only with the introduction of the 2023 XC40 facelift. For the current model, Volvo Malaysia received over 400 orders and delivered 120 units to the new owners.

Proton makes its return to South Africa

The national carmaker, Proton, is making its return to South Africa with the first shipment of cars set to foreign land back in 2012. The cargo ship which left Westport, Klang, consisted of the X50, Saga, and X70 and is expected to arrive in South Africa in July ahead of the model's scheduled launch.

New Peugeot cars with a 5-year warranty & free maintenance

Starting June 1, all-new Peugeot cars sold in the country will come with 5-year free maintenance and warranty. The entire Peugeot Malaysia range, including the Peugeot 2008, 5008, and 3008, is part of the latest offering. The 5-year free maintenance package includes labour, lubricants, and parts and also follows the manufacturer's newly approved maintenance schedule.

Chevrolet recalls over 3k cars in Malaysia

A recall has been issued in Malaysia concerning 3,725 units of Chevrolet and Saab vehicles. As per the automaker, the affected vehicles may have an issue with the driver-side airbag. Since Chevrolet does not have an office in the country, it has appointed two local partners, Sapha9 Engagement and an authorised Honda dealership, to carry out the recall campaign.

7 new dealers added to the Kawasaki Malaysia network

The new authorised dealer of Kawasaki motorcycles in Malaysia, Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd (EMOS), has added seven new dealers, thus bringing the total number of Kawasaki dealers to 20. Until further notice, EMOS will continue to distribute and provide spare parts, aftersales service, and accessories for the Kawasaki model in Malaysia.

First Hyundai Lifestyle Showroom opened in Penang

Hyundai Malaysia has opened the doors of its first concept showroom, called the Hyundai Penang City Store. Located at the Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang, the new showroom will offer customers a new lifestyle shopping experience.

Major international automobile news -

VW pays tribute to star wars

Volkswagen has paid tribute to the Start Wars celebration by presenting two special edition models of the ID. Buzzz - the Light Side Edition and Dark Side Edition. Both the units were presented at the Obi-Wan Kenobi series premiere. While the ID. Buzz Dark Side Edition showcases a more sinister impression with shades of black and red. The Light Side Edition features a beige lower section that is a tribute to Obi-Wan Kenobi's tunic, and the chrome bits represent the droids and spaceships in the movie.

Mercedes-Benz to soon bid adieu to manual transmission

The German automaker Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will gradually phase out the manual transmission from its lineup by 2023. The reason is customers' growing interest in electric components. Thus it makes economic sense to stop investment in the three pedals setup and focus on automatics.

The UK gets a unique-looking hatch

Funky Cat is a unique-looking hatchback that recently made its European debut in the UK. Apart from the name, the car is identical to the soon to launch Good Cat car in Malaysia. The UK-spec model is powered by a front-mounted e-motor (171hp/250Nm), and the car touches the 100 kmph mark in 8.3 seconds before attaining a top speed of 159 kmph. It also comes packed with several comforting features both on the inside and outside.

2023 BMW X1 & fully-electric iX1 unveiled

BMW has finally taken wraps off the 3rd-gen X1 SUV. The car comes with a host of updates in the form of tech, design, and features. Alongside, the automaker also introduced the SUV's all-electric version, called the iX1. While the new X1 is offered in both petrol and diesel options, the iX1 is available in a single variant, the xDrive30.

Land Rover Defender 130 unveiled

Land Rover has introduced the all-new Defender 130, which is essentially an extended version of the Defender 110. The car offers 340 mm extended rear overhangs that significantly increase the cabin space, thus allowing for a 2+3+3 seating arrangement.
Apart from the additional 3rd seat, the new model comes with several new features enhancing the comfort and ride quality of the car.

Jaguar F-Pace SVR Edition 1988 unveiled

Jaguar has unveiled the 394 units limited F-Pace SVR Edition 1988, which is inspired by the Jaguar XLR-9 LM Le Mans 1988 win. One of the special-edition Jaguar's key highlights is its specially-formulated exterior hue, a Midnight Amethyst Gloss, and Sunset Gold. The car is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine that generates 550 hp and 700 Nm of torque.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed a second-generation GLC that comes with the reworked exterior styling, a luxurious cabin, and a range of electrified powertrains. At launch, the 2022 GLC is offered in six different variants - two diesel and four petrol, all featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja 400 and Z400 updated for 2022