As the second last week of the month comes to an end, we look back at all the major events that took place in the local and international auto arena. While premium brands like Tesla opened its 7th Supercharging station, Audi & Maserati launched their new models. In the international arena entered the 2025 Nissan GT-R and a new Toyota Hilux variant. Let us discuss all in detail.

BYDs new 3S Centre in Melaka

BYD Malaysia has opened a new 3S Centre in the country. Located in the heart of Melaka, the facility is managed by Sing Kwung Motors and aims to offer BYD customers in the region a range of services including, comprehensive after-sales support, sales consultations, and vehicle test drive.

The company in the future aims to strengthen its presence in Melaka. The automaker has a set target to achieve 30 network dealerships in the country by the end of 2024.

Tesla’s 7th Supercharging station at Gamuda Cove

Tesla Malaysia is expanding its supercharging network at a humongous speed, the automaker recently launched its 7th Supercharging station at Gamuda Cove, thus bringing the total number of Superchargers to 36. The new Tesla charging site houses six superchargers and 18 Destination Chargers, thus making it the largest Supercharging station in Southeast Asia.

In the future, Tesla Superchargers will become operational; five of which will be located in Putrajaya, Kuantan, Prai in Penang, and at two undisclosed locations in Kuala Lumpur.

Proton’s in-house vehicle tinting service in Tanjung Malim

Exclusive Proton Accessories Tint Centre has opened its doors at the automaker’s Tanjung Malim, Perak, manufacturing facility. This step marks the expansion of the brand’s tinting services which now includes the capacity to fit window tints for up to 5,000 cars a month.

As of now Proton X90 and S70 get window security tint as a standard-fit accessory and as per the automaker, more models will join the list shortly. Also, all window tint film services carried by Proton are covered by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Ford Malaysia announces record sales for 2023

The sole distributor of Ford cars in the country, Sime Darby Auto Connexion has recently announced record sales for 2023. The company sold 8,858 units of the Everest SUV and Ranger pick-up. According to the automaker, one of the key contributors that encouraged its sales is the steady expansion of its dealership network.

In 2023, Ford broke ground on an RM12 million Ford Signature dealership in Penang, Jalan Baru in Seberang Prai (a 46,000 sq. ft. facility featuring 16 service bays). The carmaker also launched two key dealerships in the Borneo state and one in Kota Samarahan.

Hap Seng Star’s Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Raya Bonanza announced

Wanna find a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz car that too in excellent condition then check out Hap Seng Star’s Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned Raya Bonanza. Running from March 1 to April 9, the Raya Bonanza will offer a wide selection of cars, ranging from A-Class, E-Class, C-Class, GLC, and GLB along with rear models like the GLE, AMG A35, EQA, and EQB.

While all the Mercedes-Benz pre-loved models are available with substantial savings, they also meet the high standards of the automaker’s pre-owned program.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro is now cheaper

In time for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season, the official distributor of Audi cars in the country, PHS Automotive Malaysia is offering a discount on the to-spec Q8 e-tron model. The Q8 e-tron S line 55 quattro with the Audi Assurance Package is offered at a discount of RM 13,800. The car now retails for RM 480,999 (on the road without insurance).

2024 Maserati GranTurismo launched in Malaysia

The official distributor of Maserati cars in the country, Naza Italia, recently launched the 2nd gen GranTurismo in Malaysia. The supercar is offered in two variant options - base Modena for RM 738,800 and top-spec Trofeo for RM 878,800. Both the models are powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. In the base model, the unit makes 496 PS and 600 Nm of torque and in the top-spec variant the output spikes to 557 PS and 650 Nm.

Common specs shared between variants include electronic damping control, Brembo brakes with 380-mm front discs (six-piston calipers) and 350-mm rear discs, and a staggered wheel setup (20 inches front and 21 inches rear).

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia installs solar lighting

In partnership with ECOMY ( Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has set out on a mission to resolve the energy-related needs of indigenous rural communities. Under the KampungKu project, the two will offer small-scale solar solutions wherein MBM will contribute a total of RM 10,000 towards installing solar lighting units for 20 orang asli families of the Kampung Bencah Kelubi, Merapoh, Pahang, and Bateq tribe in Kampung Sungai Garam.

The said initiative is part of the Mercedes-Benz Grants for Good programme and also includes MBM employees donating essential items including clothes, towels, blankets, and toys.

Jaecoo J7 roadshow commences

Jaecoo J7 will soon arrive in Malaysia and the automaker has announced its roadshow schedule. While the soon-to-be-launched SUV has already completed the first leg of the roadshow, we now have dates for upcoming events.

March 19-23	Pavilion Bukit Jalil
April 10-14	1 Utama
April 25-28	MidValley Megamall
May 15-19	Paradigm Mall JB

It is to be noted that the new brand will be marketed as a separate brand from Chery.

New Chery 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu

The latest Chery showroom and service center has opened its gate in the Kota Kinabalu region, in Sabah. Thus bringing the total number of dealerships in the country to 40. The new 1,400 sq. ft. facility is owned & operated by Universal Chery and is located at Lot 7, Jalan Limau Manis Off Jalan Lintas Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu.

The showroom features a comprehensive experience in vehicle viewing, customer service, and maintenance via its customer lounge, and eight service bays. The outlet is open daily from 8.30 am to 6 pm on Mondays to Fridays, from 8.30 am to 4 pm on Saturdays and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays and public holidays.

Audi Takata airbag recall reminder

PHS Automotive Malaysia, the official distributor of Audi cars in the country, has issued a reminder to Audi owners in the country concerning the recent Takata airbag recall. The company is requesting the owners to check if their car is part of the recall which involves 2,297 cars including models like the Q5, A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet (between 2009 and 2012), the TT, and R8 (between 2014 and 2017) and he A4, A4 Cabriolet and A6 (from 2005 to 2011). To find out whether or not their car is affected, car owners must visit Audi Malaysia’s website.

2024 Ora Good Cat is now cheaper

Following the launch of Chery Omoda E5 at an attractive price point, GWM has now reduced the price of the Ora Good Cat. The automaker has announced a discount of RM 26,000 across the car’s range with the base 400 Pro now retailing for RM 113,800 and the top-spec 500 Ultra for RM 143,800. Note, on-the-road prices add another RM 700.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia promo announced

MMM has announced a range-wide promotion that will run until March 31st and includes
cash rebates, low financing interest rates, equipment upgrades, and complimentary service labor, (depending on model).

Triton Athlete & Triton VGT AT Premium	Up to RM 7,000 cash rebate RM 900 wheel upgrade & RM 3000 cash rebate 0.88% p.a. flat interest rate & additional RM 2000 cash rebate for Athlete
Triton VGT MT Premium & Triton VGT MT	Cash rebates of up to RM3,000
Triton VGT AT &  Triton Quest	Cash rebates of up to RM4,000
Mitsubishi Xpander	Cash rebates of up to RM1,000 One year of servicing labor, free of charge

International news

RM 4.2 billion invested by Isuzu in Thailand

By the year 2023, Isuzu plans to invest one trillion Japanese yen (approx. RM 31.3 billion) in Thailand. The investments include a manufacturing budget for a battery cell and an electric pick-up truck.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe prices announced in Thailand

It was during the 2023 Thailand International Motor Expo that Jeep started taking orders for the Grand Cherokee 4xe and now finally its prices are revealed. Offered in a single Summit Reserve trim, the car retails for RM 5.49 million bath with deliveries starting from Q2 2024.

BMW announces bi-directional charging

For its upcoming Neue Klasse electric vehicles that are scheduled to launch in 2050, BMW has confirmed bi-directional charging tech. The new tech will allow Neue Klase models to charge their batteries and power devices and supply electricity back to the power grid.

Peugeot e-5008 EV revealed

Peugeot has revealed its latest SUV, the e-5008. Based on the STLA Medium platform, it is the only electric, seven-seater car in the segment. The EV is powered by either a single or dual-motor powertrain option. Built at the automaker’s Sochaux plant located in France, the EV comes with an efficient Driver assistance system which includes Drive Assist Plus 2.0 and Peugeot VisioPark 360.

Jaecoo J6 EV and J8 PHEV SUVs previewed in Thailand

Omoda & Jaecoo have already announced their plan to build a factory in Thailand and now the Chery division’s product plans are revealed; IT will have an all-SUV lineup. The list includes - the Omoda C5 EV, the Jaecoo 7, the Jaecoo 6 and Jaecoo J8.

2025 Nissan GT-R launched in Japan

Japan recently welcomed the all-new 2024 GT-R sports car. Here the car will be offered in eight variant options, all powered by a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine paired to a BorgWarner GR6 six-speed dual-clutch transmission and ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel drive system.

2024 Toyota Hilux Revo GR Sport Wide Tread launched in Thailand

Toyota Thailand has launched the Toyota Hilux Revo GR Sport Wide Tread that retails for 1.499 million baht (RM196,868). Compared to the previous-gen model, the new variant features a more powerful engine and upgrades, all aimed at making the pick-up truck a lot more rugged and aggressive.