As the second week of March 2024 comes to an end, we look back at the last seven days, we feel a lot of major events took place in the auto arena. The local market saw several big launches, previews, promos, and whatnot. Similarly, in the international market, there were several prominent launches. Let’s check them all out in detail.

Wheelcorp EV launches new showroom

Setia Alam now has a new Wheelcorp EV showroom which boasts a contemporary design theme along with a premium ambiance. Spanned over 800 square meter, the showroom is equipped with two 150 kW DC chargers, offers after-sales support (including routine maintenance and specialized repairs), and showcases various variants of the #1 EV.

The new smart dealership is located at No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/AH, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor. Stores timing is 9am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

RM 20k discount on BYD Atto 3

BYD Cars Malaysia has announced a massive rebate of RM 20,000 on the 2023 BYD Atto 3. The base variant of the BYD electric SUV retails for RM 129,800 and with the latest discount its price falls significantly below the recently launched Omoda E5. As for the range-topping Extended Range Atto 3 model (RM 167,800), after the discount its price comes very close to Dolphin’s top-spec model.
Note, the rebate is only applicable to 2023 model year Atto 3 while stocks last.

Powering both variants is an electric motor up front making a maximum power output of 204 PS along with a peak torque of 310 Nm. The setup allows the EV to complete a century sprint in 7.3 seconds. Part of its specs kit are features like - LED headlights, powered front seats, panoramic glass roof, rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen, 3.6 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system.

New BMW MINI 4S center opened in Balakong

The 27-year-old BMW Malaysia dealership, Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi has been relocated to Balakong. The new Auto Bavaria Balakong 4S center is one of the largest of its kind and is now operational. The 240,057 sq. ft. facility houses vehicles from BMW, MINI, and BMW Premium Selection and has a lush facade with a courtyard garden and outdoor terrace. Other features include - Grand Klasse Lounge, handover bays, BMW Café, EV charging facilities, and Reception at the Counter service bays.

Stellantis Malaysia begins operation

Gone is Bermaz Auto Alliance and replacing it is a new franchise holder, Stellantis Malaysia. The new caretaker of Peugeot began operations in the country last Friday, March 1.

“Stellantis Malaysia is an exciting start and new business chapter for us here in Malaysia,” said Stellantis Malaysia managing director Jamie Francis Morais. “Our priorities are four-pronged – accelerating market growth, expanding product portfolio, creating new dealership opportunities nationwide, and subsequently providing improved customer experience. This includes expanding our dealer network nationwide and building a stronger presence in East Malaysia.”

New Peugeot 408 coming in Q2

New Peugeot franchise holder Stellantis Malaysia has started its operation in the country from 1st March and it has already announced its future plans for the market. Part of the plan is the latest Peugeot 408 which the company says will arrive in the second quarter of 2024 along with the locally-assembled Landtrek pick-up truck.

Smart #1 Pro local deliveries have started

Smart Malaysia has begun delivery of the #1 Pro, the entry-level variant of the EV that arrived in the country in November 2024. The EV retails for RM 189,000 (on-the-road without insurance) making it RM 30,000 and RM 60,000 cheaper than the mid-spec Premium and top-spec Brabus trims.

The Pro features a lithium iron phosphate battery which is capable of offering a range of up to 315 km (WLTP standard). The battery powers the rear-mounted e-motor that makes a maximum power of 272 PS along with a peak torque of 343 Nm. This setup allows the Pro to complete the century sprint in 6.7 seconds and attain a top speed of 180 kmph.

Chery Omoda E5 EV launched in Malaysia

Chery Malaysia has finally launched the long-awaited Omoda E5 EV which is the electric sister of the Omoda 5 SUV. Priced at RM 146,800 (on-the-road without insurance), the EV is powered by a
front-mounted electric motor making a maximum power output of 204 PS along with a peak torque of 340 Nm. This allows the EV to push the electric SUV from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.6 seconds and attain a top speed of 172 kmph. The EV offers a range of 430 km via its BYD-sourced 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate unit.

Part of the EVs specs kit is several interesting features including LED projector headlamps, powered sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, powered tailgate, leather upholstery, selectable drive modes, dual-zone climate control with PM 2.5 filter & rear vents, ventilated front seats, dynamic ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker Sony system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Proton S70 February sales revealed

The national automaker has announced its total sales for February (13,602 units) which also includes figures for its latest four-door sedan, the S70. Proton Malaysia sold a total of 2,314 units which is 60.5% more compared to the previous month's numbers (1,442 units).

New Ford Assured certified pre-owned program in Malaysia

The official distribution of Ford cars in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) launched Ford Assured, a certified program for pre-owned models. The said program offers a minimum 12-month warranty covering the powertrain and transmission box (subject to terms and conditions). All cars sold under this scheme undergo meticulous inspection and certification process and are below five years of age or have a mileage below 14,000 for Ranger, and 80,000 km for Everest. Additionally, the pre-owned cars are subjected to a 96-point inspection by certified technicians that takes care of every aspect of the vehicle from cosmetic appearance to mechanical performance.

Honda Malaysia Raya 2024 promo announced

Honda Malaysia has announced ‘Lebih Meriah Rewards’ promo for March 2024 that offers up to RM 8,500 off on both 2023 and 2024 models. Its rebate includes all CKD models except for the all-new CR-V.

2023 Civic	RM2.5k for the RS to RM3.5k for the E and V RM8.5k for Hybrid RS.
2023 City Hatchback	RM4,000
2023 City sedan	from RM3,500 (S, RS) to RM7,000 for the Hybrid RS
2023 HR-V	RM3,000 for all variants; RM4,000 for Hybrid RS
2024 City Hatchback	RM1,000 across all variants
2024 Civic	RM1,000 across all variants; RM2,500 for hybrid model
2024 WR-V	RM1,000 across all variants; RM1,500 for HR-V RS
2024 City sedan	RM1,000 off for the S and RM2,000 for the rest.

Suzuki Jimny Rainforest, Black Edition launched in Malaysia

Official distributor of Suzuki cars in Malaysia, Naza Eastern Motors has introduced two special edition models of the iconic Jimny. Called the Jimny Black Edition (RM 171,900) and Jimny Rainforest Edition (RM 168,900), the two SUVs feature unique styling cues and are powered by a 100hp/130Nm 1.5 -liter naturally-aspirated VVT engine.

The Jimny Black Edition features exclusive black accents and refined detailing which is a mix of modern aesthetics and off-road prowess. Part of its specs kit is a Bluish Black Pearl 3 hue, multi-roof rack, carbon finish front grille, carbon finish spare tyre cover, stylish audio garnish bumper, black grab handle wraps with bright green stitching, carpet floor mats, and two-tone Nappa leather upholstery.

The Jimny Rainforest Edition features a vibrant Jungle Green hue along with a camouflage-finished front grille, body decals, mud flaps reminiscent of the rainforest, and camouflage touches on the inside.

smart‘s outlet coming up in East Malaysia

Pro-Net, the official distributor of smart vehicles in Malaysia has confirmed its expansion plans in the country with its first outlet coming up in East Malaysia. The upcoming smart outlet will open up in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and will be operated by Fook Loi Europcar. In the future, more smart dealerships will open up in Petaling Jaya (Naza Automotive Group) and Kuantan (Hoi Keen Service) in Peninsular Malaysia.

2024 Toyota Crown Hybrid spotted in Malaysia

Malaysia might soon get the 16th gen Toyota Crown as the stylish crossover was recently spotted doing rounds in the country. Powering all its variants is a hybrid powertrain including a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine making 186 PS of power along with a peak torque of 221 Nm along with an electric motor. The total system output rests at 234 PS. Also present is a dual Boost version wherein the naturally-aspirated unit is swapped with a 2.4-litre turbo unit churning 272 PS and 460 Nm of torque.

GWM Haval H6 Hybrid coming to Malaysia in Q2 2024

GWM Malaysia has plans to expand its local line-up by launching three models in the local market. Part of the deal is Haval H6 Hybris along with the Rank 300 and Ora 07. In an official release, the automaker confirmed to launch of the SUV in the second quarter of the year. Once launched the car will compete with the likes of Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, and Proton X70.

Powering it would be a 1.5-litre turbo in-line petrol engine pumping out a maximum power output of 150 PS along with a peak torque of 230 Nm. The electric motor makes 177 PS and 300 Nm; the total system output rests at 243 PS and 530 Nm. The drive is sent to the front wheels via a GWM’s two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

GWM Tank 300 & Ora 07 previewed in Malaysia

Recently GWM Malaysia previewed the upcoming Tank 300 and Ora 07 to the local media, both of which are scheduled to launch sometime in Q3 2024.

Powering the Tank 300 is a 2.0-litre turbo inline-four petrol engine churning out a maximum power output of 220 PS and 380 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some of its major features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen, a robust-looking gear selector, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, powered front seats, leather upholstery, a Harman Infinity sound system, deep storage cubby under the center armrest, powered sunroof, wireless charging pad, and paddle shifters.

Once launched the Ora 07 will be offered in two variants called, Long Range and Performance. Both trims feature an 83.5-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that offers a 640 km range in the Long Range and 550 km in the Performance model. Powering the base model is a front-mounted electric motor rated at 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 340 Nm of torque for a top speed of 170 km/h. The top-spec variant, on the other hand, has a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup providing 408 PS and 680 Nm, for a top speed of 180 km/h and 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds.

International news

Kia EV9 launched in Thailand

Kia flagship EV, the EV9 has entered the Thailand market where it is offered in two variants, Earth Long Range RWD and GT-Line Long Range AWD. The electric SUV retails for 3.5 million baht (approx. RM463,322) and 3.9 million baht (approx. RM516,208) respectively.

Powering the base variant is a rear-mounted single-motor setup making 204 hp and 350 Nm. This allows the EV SUV to sprint from a standstill to 100 kmph in 9.4 seconds and achieve a top speed of 185 km/h. The top-spec model, on the other hand, features a dual-motor AWD setup churning 305 hp and 600 Nm. This results in a century sprint time of just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

Audi Q6 e-tron debut date confirmed

Audi recently announced that its all-new EV, the Q6 e-tron, will make its debut on March 18. It will be the brand’s first EV to be built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture co-developed with Porsche. As for the car’s local launch, PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) has confirmed that the electric SUV will arrive here sometime in 2024.

2024 Wuling Bingo Plus launched in China

Wuling recently launched the all-new Bingo Plus in China. Pricing starts at 89,800 yuan (RM59,012) for the base variant with 401 km of range following the CLTC standard, while 98,800 yuan (RM64,926) brings with it 510 km of range.

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

Also Read: A closer look at Lotus’s first electric hyper-GT, the Emeya