It is the first day of March 2024 and as we look back at the last seven days, we feel a lot of major events have taken place. The local market saw several big launches, previews, the opening of order books, and whatnot. Similarly, in the international market, there were several prominent launches. Let’s check them all out in detail.

Local news -

BMW Premium Selection Showcase

The BMW Premium Selection Showcase is back. The showcase event is spread across three days, from 1 to 3 March 2024 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. It is one of the biggest BMW Premium Selection Showcase events that will feature up to 500 pre-owned vehicles including the 2 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and the X range.

The pre-owned BMW vehicles are available for not only viewing but also for test drives; and to sweeten the deal are offered at attractive rebates along with instant financing pre-approvals. Not to forget the all-new 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and facelifted BMW X5 xDrive50e are part of the display.

Smart to open new dealerships in Malaysia

Smart Malaysia currently operates out of ten dealerships in the country and now the automaker plans to expand its reach. The company will soon be opening its first dealership in East Malaysia. The company has yet to reveal the new dealership’s exact location. All this is a part of its 13 dealership targets nationwide.

BYD Seal extends its early-bird promo

In just four days of launch, BYD Malaysia has received 1,300 bookings for the all-new Seal. Seeing the overwhelming demand for the EV, BYD has announced the extension of its early-bird promo which includes complimentary home chargers (supplied by Kineta, Sime Darby’s charging solutions subsidiary) and charging credits worth RM800 from Gentari or ChargE.

Proton S70 R3 race car to participate in 2024 Sepang 1000km (S1K)

The national carmaker, Proton has confirmed its participation in this year's Sepang 1000km with S70 R3 race car. This specially developed race car is developed by automakers R3 Motorsports division, however, no details are out yet.

2024 Peugeot E-2008 facelift spied in Malaysia

Malaysia will soon be getting the all-new 2024 Peugeot E-2008. The compact electric crossover was recently spotted undisguised and it reveals a redesigned exterior. For instance, the EV now gets revised headlights with a “triple-claw” LED light signature, a wider grille, new taillights, a two-tone blacked-out roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and triple projector LED front beams. The facelift model brings about improved performance specs (156hp and 260 Nm), 15% more than the predecessor.

2024 MG ZS EV open for booking

The all-new MG ZS EV is now open for booking in Malaysia. The latest EV is offered in one single trim option which is priced at RM 129,000 (estimated). Once launched, the ZS EV will compete with the likes of Atto 3 and Omoda E5.

Powering the EV is a 176 hp/280 Nm single electric-motor driving the front wheels. This setup makes the car capable of completing a century print in just 8 seconds.

2024 MG4 EV open for booking

Along with the 2024 ZS EV, MG Malaysia has opened up the order books for the MG4 EV as well. The hatch is offered in four trim options namely, Standard, LUX, LUX Extended Range, and XPOWER. The EV’s price ranges from RM 104,000 to RM 159,000. All the purchases are accompanied by a 7-year/150,000 km mileage vehicle warranty, alongside an 8-year/180,000 km battery warranty.

9 new GAC Motors dealerships launched

GAC Motors' official distributor in Malaysia, WTC Automotif has announced the opening up of nine new dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia. All the dealerships are positioned in key locations of the region including Cyberjaya, Setia Alam, Balakong, Johor Bahru, Seremban, Butterworth, Alor Setar, Kuantan, and Sungai Petani.

Honda CR-V books close to 6,500 bookings

Honda Malaysia has revealed that it has received close to 6,500 bookings for the CR-V (as of Feb 22,2024). The company has also revealed the car’s registration numbers rest at 1,500 units, of which the V variant is the most popular variant with a 45% share. As for other CR-V variants, their share lies at 30% for E, 14% for e: HEV RS, and 11% for S trims.

In Malaysia, CR-V is offered in the following powertrain options - a 1.5-litre turbo engine making 193 hp and 243 Nm and a 2.0-litre hybrid system making 184hp and 335 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz CLE open for registration

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s website now features the all-new CLE that is now open for registration. The coupe will be replacing not one but two cars, the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe.
Information on the CLE is scarce at the moment, however, globally the car is available with five variant options (CLE 220 d, CLE 200, CLE 200 4MATIC, CLE 300 4MATIC, and GLE 450 4MATIC) with several powertrains.

Coupe’s most powertrain version, the GLE 450 4MATIC is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo inline-6 engine making a maximum output of 381 hp and 500 Nm of torque. All the variants including the range-topping version benefit from an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that boost the output by 23 hp and 200 Nm.

Tekhne Automotive Parts launched

Hong Leong Industries (HLI) has launched a new automotive parts brand called Tekhne. The brand will offer a range of both original and replacement equipment manufacturer parts for two- and four-wheelers.

“At Tekhne, our commitment lies in providing a premium range of products tailored to meet the needs of our Malaysian customers. Through collaborations with esteemed partners, both locally and internationally, we ensure that our products uphold the highest standards of excellence and customer satisfaction. Looking ahead, we are poised to expand our footprint into the broader ASEAN region and subsequently tap into global markets,” said Tekhne General Manager, Mr Chong Chee Kong.

BMW R 18 Roctane coming soon

BMW Motorrad Malaysia is under plans to introduce a new model in the local line-up called the R 18 Roctane. The said model will be showcased at the BMW Premium Selection happening from 1st to 3rd March, taking place at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Powering the bike is a 1,802cc two-cylinder engine making a maximum power output of 91 oh at 4,750 rpm along with a peak torque of 150 Nm. Also, the said mill is the largest boxer unit in the Heritage line-up. The bike packs a feature-loaded specs kit consisting of several riding assistance features including Automatic Stability Control, three riding modes (Rock, Roll, and Rain), Hill Start Control, Reverse Gear Aid, Cruise Control, a lockable fuel filler cap, and much more.

Volvo C40 Recharge EV updated for 2024

Volvo Malaysia has announced an update for the C40 Recharge. The car now features an enlarged battery pack of 82 kWh that bumps up the range by 100 km bringing the new capacity down to 550 km. Also, the new battery pack supports up to 200 kW of DC fast charging which results in a charging time of 28 minutes for 10 to 80% SOC. The powertrain layout has also been revised and now features a less powerful front motor (159 PS) and a more powerful rear motor (249 PS); the overall power output is rated at 408 PS.

Part of the revision also includes new 19-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels, Vapour Grey paint, and matrix LED projector headlights. The car continues to retail for RM 288,888 (on-the-road without insurance) and includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, an eight-year/160,000-km battery warranty, a five-year/100,000 km free service package, and five years of roadside assistance.

International news -

Stellantis and not Bermaz Auto Alliance is Peugeot’s official distributor of Mazda

With effect from 29th February 2024, Bermaz Auto Alliance (BAA) is no longer a part of Peugeot’s distribution network, sales, and aftersales in Malaysia. The brand was managed by BAA for the last three years and now the association has finally ended. As for now, the brand will be managed by Stellantis N.V. via its own national sales company.

“Bermaz Auto is a valued partner and has built a solid foundation for the Peugeot brand in Malaysia since December 2020, which will greatly help our transition to the NSC structure. I would like to thank Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, the Executive Chairman of Bermaz Auto, and his team for everything that Bermaz Auto has done to develop the Peugeot brand to where it is today,” said Daniel Gonzalez, Stellantis ASEAN & General Distributors Chief Operating Officer.

All-new 2024 MG3 hatch unveiled

After showcasing the MG4 EV recently, the SAIC-owned British automaker has now unveiled a new hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show, the all-new 2024 MG3. The automaker plans to sell 10,000 units annually in the UK.

Some of its highlights include - sharp LED headlights, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support, automatic climate control, leather-style upholstery, 360-degree surround view monitor, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control).

Powering the car is a Hybrid Plus powertrain which includes a 102hp/128Nm 1.5L 4-cyl engine and a 136hp/250 Nm electric motor; the total system output sits at 194 hp. Paired with a 3-speed automatic AT, the car can complete a century sprint in 8 seconds.

Mitsuoka M55 concept confirmed for production

The Mitsuoka M55 concept car made its rounds on the internet in November 2024. And now the FL1 Civic-based retro car is confirmed for production with its launch set for 2025.

For those who aren’t aware, Mitsuoka is a Japanese car company that takes existing production cars and converts them into retro-style creations.

2024 Hyundai Staria Hybrid with updates

Hyundai has introduced a new 2024 Staria Hybrid model and it is available for pre-order in Korea. Powering the car is a 180hp/265Nm1.6-litre turbo engine and an electric drive system, together the two can churn a maximum power output of 245 hp and a peak torque of 367 Nm.

Some of the 2024 Staria Hybrid's major improvements include, a USB-C port, new touch-based air-conditioning controls, a new wiper rain sensor, a new 4th generation smart key shaped like the Hyundai logo, new 2D aluminum for Hyundai Emblem, front parking sensors are now standard, reduced operating speed of power sliding door, black high-gloss wheels, new LED lights for sun visors, new second-row walk-in switch (for 7-seater model), new sliding bed for cargo model, and a new ‘congestion section specialized control’.

Honda CR-V e: FCEV unveiled

Honda has recently unveiled CR-V new hydrogen fuel cell guise called the CR-V e:FCEV. Differentiating it from the regular CR-V model are its exterior design, cabin features, and performance specs. On the outside, the car features a unique bumper design, blacked-out alloy wheels, smoked taillights, and a black wing mirror.

BYD Yang Wang U9 launched in China

BYD’s high-end sub-brand, Yangwang has introduced its first electric supercar, the BYD Yang Wang U9. The full-fledged electric supercar features four electric motors making a maximum power output of 1,300 hp along with a peak torque of 1,680 Nm. This setup allows the EV to complete a century sprint in just 2.36 seconds and attain a top speed of 309.19 kmph. The car offers an electric range of 465 km on a single charge.

Some of its key features include a Discus-X system, a large center console segregating the driver & passenger, two seats, two 14-way power-adjustable seats, a near vertical center console, a Dynaudio Evidence Series high-end audio system, a DiLink150 intelligent platform.

In China, the BYD Yangwang U9 costs RMB 1.68 million (approx. RM1.15 million).

The top three finalists of World Car of the Year announced

For the first time since 2022, the three finalists of World Car of the Year are all full-electric, the BDY Seal, Volvo EX30, and Kia EV9. The winner will be announced on March 27 at the New York International Auto Show. The jury consists of 100 journalists from 29 countries. Finalists in other categories have also been announced, the list includes -

• World Car Design of the Year - the 5th gen Toyota Prius, Ford Bronco, and Ferrari Purosangue SUV
• World Urban Car of the Year - BYD Dolphin, Lexus LBX, and Volvo EX30
• World Luxury Car of the Year - BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
• World Performance Car of the Year - Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, BMW XM, and BMW M2

The 2024 European Car of the Year winner announced

The European Car of the Year award is considered the most prestigious Car of the Year award. This year Renault Scenic E-tech has scooped the award from the BMW 5 Series and BYD Seal. The winner was awarded 329 points by a jury of 58 strong members.

The Scenic E-Tech is offered in a choice of two powertrains and is based on the CMF-EV platform. The former churns out a maximum power of 170 PS and a range of 420 km; the latter boosts 218 PS and offers a range of 620 km.

Interesting, right? Now let's see what the next month has in store for the Malaysian and international auto industry.

Also Read: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia launches the biggest 3S centre in Kuching