Weekly wrap-up: Chery Omoda E5 registrations of interest open, 2024 Range Rover Evoque launch confirmed, Daihatsu safety scandal widens, and more

This week the Malaysian automotive industry experienced a relatively slow momentum with a few announcements. JLRM has confirmed the arrival of the Range Rover Evoque facelift and simultaneously, Chery Malaysia has started registering interest for its upcoming EV, the Omoda E5. However, the news that shook the industry was the latest report of the Daihatsu safety scandal leading to the suspension of Toyota and Daihatsu shipments in Japan and overseas. In case you missed out on any of that, we have got you covered in our weekly wrap of the top auto news of the local as well as international market.

Local news

Chery Omoda E5 registrations of interest open in Malaysia

Interested customers can now register their interest for the upcoming Omoda E5 (electric version of the Omoda 5) at the registration of interest page on the Chery Malaysia website. The EV was previewed in the local market earlier this month. It is powered by a single motor good for making 204 PS of maximum power. Feeding the motor is a 61-kWh blade lithium-ion phosphate battery pack that lets the EV cruise up to 430 km (WLTP) on a single charge. The Chery Omoda E5 is expected to launch in March 2024.

2024 Range Rover Evoque launch confirmed

Globally revealed in June this year, the all-new 2024 Range Rover Evoque facelift is set to arrive in Malaysia in January 2024. The upgraded SUV features a new signature grille, new pixel LED headlights, and distinctive tail lights. Inside, it gets a new 11.4-inch infotainment system powered by the latest-gen Pivi Pro 2 software and wireless charging pad. It will come powered by an Ingenium petrol engine technology proven for fuel efficiency, responsiveness, and smoothness. 

Toyota, Daihatsu shipments suspended amid safety scandal 

The Independent III party committee investigating the Daihatsu scandal, highlighted in April this year, found issues with 64 models, including those sold under Toyota's brand. As a result, the shipments of Toyota and Daihatsu have been suspended in Japan and overseas. The report also affected Mazda, Subaru, and Perodua. According to the committee, the root cause of the scandal was “a management problem that promoted short-term development without taking measures to deal with the fraud.”

Smart Malaysia delivers 100 smart #1 EVs to customers

Launched on November 21 this year, the smart #1 EV has been delivered to a total of 100 customers within the timeframe of one month. The success of this milestone is attributed to the brand’s 10 strategically located outlets, as well as the efficiency of its sales specialists and digital app and maintenance of ample stocks before the official launch. The smart #1 is offered in three variants viz. Pro, Premium, and Brabus, priced between RM 189,000 and RM 249,000. 

Proton stops producing the X70 1.8 Premium trim 

Proton stopped producing the X70 1.8 Premium trim in October this year, as per the report of the Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA). The sudden discontinuation of the trim sparks speculation regarding the imminent arrival of the facelifted X70. However, the automaker has yet to make any official statement. 

Gentari Hydrogen and IHI Corporation join hands to develop the hydrogen sector

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Petronas’ Gentari, Gentari Hydrogen, and Japan’s IHI Corporation have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The strategic collaboration aims to make efforts to advance the hydrogen sector. The two entities will jointly investigate the development of a worldwide green ammonia value chain. The process will encompass the production, transportation, storage, and utilisation of green ammonia, with a primary focus on the Asia Pacific region and other areas of shared interest.

International news

McLaren GTS supercar makes world premiere

McLaren has replaced the iconic GT with the all-new GTS. The latest supercar is built on the same architecture as the GT and equips a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing a maximum of 635 PS and a peak torque of 630 Nm. While the GTS shares the majority of its bodywork with the outgoing model, it features updated styling and new interior trims. It is now available to order in Europe with deliveries slated to begin next year.

2024 MINI Countryman C revealed globally

Mini has introduced a new entry-level variant of the third-gen Countryman, called the Countryman C. While it sits at the bottom of the range, it combines typical Mini features such as agility and driving pleasure with generous standard equipment, says the automaker. It comes equipped with a mild-hybrid configuration, including a 170 PS/280 Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 19 PS electric motor. The new Countryman C is offered in four trims - Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW, each featuring different paint colours, roof options, and interior finishes.

Lynk & Co made its ASEAN debut in Vietnam

Geely’s sub-brand Lynk & Co made its ASEAN debut in Vietnam this week. The automaker revealed three SUVs in the Vietnamese market viz. 09, 05, and 01. The Lynk & Co 09 is a full-size SUV based on the brand’s Scalable Product Architecture. Set to launch in the first quarter of 2024, it is priced at VND 2.199 billion (approx RM 416,175). The Lynk & Co 05 and 01, on the other hand, are smaller SUVs, whose pricing and launch details are yet to be announced.

Toyota Crown Sport PHEV up for grabs in Japan 

Toyota has rolled out the plug-in hybrid variant of the Crown Sport SUV introduced earlier this year in Japan. It is equipped with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated gasoline engine, two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack, and an E-Four electric 4WD system. The total system output is rated at 306 PS. The Toyota Crown Sport PHEV price tag reads JPY 7.65 million (approx equal to RM 250k).

That's a wrap for now. For further updates, stay tuned with Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: Top 7 EVs coming to Malaysia in 2024