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• Mitsubishi Red Peak Challenge heads to Kuching from August 23-24 – experience the Triton’s capabilities

  In Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi / by Gerard Lye / 20 August 2025 11:43 am

  

  Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced that it will bring the Red Peak Challenge to East Malaysia to showcase the capabilities of the latest Triton. Set to take place at Farley Mall in Kuching on the weekend of August 23-24, the event is open to the public from 10am to 6pm.

  Visitors to the Red Peak Challenge will get to chance to experience an adrenaline-pumping ride with professional instructors up a 45-degree ramp. Known as the Red Peak Climb, the purpose-built test is designed to showcase the Triton’s grip control on steep inclines, while also demonstrating the power of the pick-up truck’s turbodiesel engine.

  Climbing a steep ramp is just one of the Triton’s abilities, with the other being a chassis that can withstand the forces dealt to it when on challenging terrain. A separate test on a side traverse ramp, which is angled at 35 degrees, shows off the Triton’s rigidity and stability when one wheel is lifted off the ground. In such a situation, an effective four-wheel drive system should maintain traction and drivability.

  The Triton’s Super Select 4WD-II system is what makes traversing difficult terrain possible, with seven modes available to suit many situations. A roller ramp simulates slippery conditions typical of muddy plantations or construction sites, and the Triton takes this on at the Red Peak Challenge by going into 4HLc mode to evenly distribute torque to all four wheels to get going, even when some wheels are slipping.

  

  

  Lastly, there’s the staircase camp that simulates uneven road conditions or downhill slopes, an ideal scenario to demonstrate the Triton’s Rock mode and cabin comfort that is complemented by supportive seats.

  Participants who test drive a Mitsubishi during the event will receive one entry for the Red Peak Challenge lucky draw held at 5pm daily, while a vehicle booking bags you two entries. The lucky draw prizes include a Naturehike camping wagon (RM500), a Mitsubishi Poler chair (RM300), and a Mitsubishi USB portable fan (RM200). Another attraction at the event is the Monster Energy Triton Truck, where spotting it can get you some free Monster Energy drinks.

  In conjunction with MMM’s 20th anniversary, there will also be range of exclusive programmes being offered to customers. These include the Fantastic 5 package with benefits valued at up to RM30,000, the SME Gear Up Programme for business owners, and the Triton Switch Up programme that allows existing owners to upgrade to a new model with zero downpayment and other advantages.

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• 2025 BYD Seal launching in Malaysia this Friday

  In BYD, Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 20 August 2025 10:56 am

  

  Go to BYD Cars Malaysia on Facebook and you’ll see this, confirming that the 2025 BYD Seal will be launched in Malaysia on Friday, August 22. What can we expect? Let’s look at the April-launched Singapore-market car.

  There’s a bigger frunk (53 versus 50 litres), new alloys, a powered roof sunshade, and the DiSus-C adaptive dampers have been upgraded (as in Indonesia too). A version of the DiSus-C is found on the Denza D9, which was launched in Malaysia in February this year.

  The 2025 BYD Seal comes in three flavours in Singapore – Dynamic (136 PS/310 Nm rear motor, 61.44-kWh battery, 460 km WLTP), Premium (313 PS/360 Nm rear motor, 82.56-kWh battery, 570 km WLTP) and Performance (215 PS/310 Nm front motor + 313 PS/360 Nm rear motor, 530 PS/670 Nm altogether, 82.56-kWh battery, 520 km WLTP).

  

  

  

  

  Max charging rates are 7 kW AC and 100 kW DC for the base Dynamic and 7 kW AC and 150 kW DC for the other two. All three variants can manage a 30-80% recharge in as little as 32 minutes.

  Singapore gets nine airbags, a 360 camera, front and rear parking sensors, AEB, ACC, lane departure warning and prevention, emergency lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, front and rear cross traffic alert and brake, intelligent speed limit information, blind spot detection, door opening warning, high beam assist and a head-up display.

  Nett (not on-the-road) prices for the outgoing BYD Seal in Malaysia are RM163,800 for the Dynamic, RM179,800 for the Premium and RM199,800 for the Performance. How much for the new one, you think?

  Singapore-market 2025 BYD Seal

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Luxury vehicle, property ownership to be among added criteria in determining RON95 subsidy eligibility

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 20 August 2025 10:48 am

  

  Ownership of property and luxury vehicles will be among the additional criteria in determining an individual’s eligibility for the RON95 petrol subsidy, reported Free Malaysia Today.

  Other criteria also includes monthly income, and the government is guided by details from various data sources, said prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, in a written parliamentary reply to former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who requested an explanation on how eligible groups would be identified.

  Eligibility will be determined by cross-referencing multiple data sources, including income records from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and household income surveys (HIS) from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), The Edge Malaysia reported.

  In July, Anwar announced that the prices of subsidised RON 95 petrol will be reduced to RM1.99 per litre when the targeted subsidy of the fuel begins later this year. Details of the fuel subsidy rationalisation plan are to be announced in September, the prime minister stated in his speech in July.

  

  The finance ministry said that it will work closely with the ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN) to monitor the stability of fuel prices and to protect the public’s interest once the RON95 subsidy rationalisation is enforced, according to the report.

  The framework will also leverage data from PADU, the government’s socio-economic database, second finance minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said earlier this month.

  Only non-citizens and those with the financial means to afford unsubsidised fuel will not be eligible for the subsidy, which currently costs the government around RM19 billion a year, the finance ministry stated. The transition from a blanket subsidy to a targeted subsidy system could save the government around RM8 billion a year, the finance ministry said previously.

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• MyDigital ID soon needed for MyJPJ, MyBayar PDRM

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 20 August 2025 10:01 am

  

  The MyJPJ and MyBayar PDRM apps will soon require MyDigital ID for logins, according to a media statement issued yesterday by the national digital identity platform, The Star reports.

  Currently, you can log in to both apps using either MyDigital ID or your existing username and password, but MyDigital ID will soon become the only way to access both government platforms.

  “MyDigital ID as a Single Login promises a new era of digital identity verification that is simpler, safer, and more transparent. We are committed to ensuring every user enjoys maximum convenience with the highest level of security, while accelerating the nation’s digital transformation in an inclusive and resilient manner,” said MyDigital ID CEO Nik Hisham Nik Ibrahim.

  It seems the government is serious about getting us all on MyDigital ID – it may be made compulsory for access to government platforms such as PADU, HRMIS Mobile, MyBorderPass, MyGov Malaysia and LHDN (Inland Revenue Board). Yet to register for one? Here’s how to do it.

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• Building LRT or MRT line connecting the mainland to Langkawi does not make sense, says Anthony Loke

  In Local News / by Gerard Lye / 20 August 2025 9:54 am

  

  Transport minister Anthony Loke has said the government will not consider building light rail transit (LRT) or mass rapid transit (MRT) lines from the mainland to Langkawi, reports FMT.

  Winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan, or Rancangan Malaysia Ketiga Belas (RMK13) in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Loke pointed out it “does not make sense” to build a train line from Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis to Langkawi, which involves distances of around 50 km and 30 km respectively.

  “That would definitely require massive expenditures,” he said, adding that the government will instead focus on upgrading the facilities at the jetties located in Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis. “We have other proposals to increase connectivity between Langkawi and both Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis. Among others, we are studying the introduction of more modern and comfortable ferries,” he noted.

  Loke’s statement comes after Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) again proposed the construction of LRT or MRT lines to Langkawi in the Dewan Rakyat last week. Loke has previously rejected an earlier proposal in 2023, saying at the time that building such lines across the sea would be difficult.

  He added that the transport ministry had not yet received a proposal from the Kedah government to build an LRT line in Langkawi, although the state government announced such plans a year later. However, a recent report by Utusan reveals Kedah’s plans to build a maglev LRT system in Langkawi will not proceed.

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• Blueshark & EPMB start production of SoloEra e-bikes – RM599 rebate price, RM69 monthly fee for five years

  In Bikes, Blueshark, Electric motorcycles, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 19 August 2025 5:53 pm

  

  Electric motorcycle (e-bike) firm Blueshark, and its manufacturing arm EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) will begin production of the SoloEra Solo 1C electric scooter at its Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor, facility. Pricing for the Solo 1C starts at a special pre-launch promotion price of RM599, enabled by the RM2,400 MARiiCas rebate and additional support from Blueshark.

  To qualify for the promotional price, customers must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above with a valid B2 motorcycle license and apply for the MARiiCas rebate, subject to quota limitations. Bookings with a RM278 non-refundable deposit, can be made exclusively via the MyMesra website and the Setel app, and users must agree to a a five-year battery rental agreement at only RM59 per month plus connectivity pack at RM10 per month.

  Without the MARiiCas rebate, the price of the Solo 1C will be RM2,999, in addition to the five-year battery rental and connectivity subscription. Blueshark expects pre-orders of the Solo 1C to be fulfilled within the coming six months, while shipping charges shall apply, with additional fees for East Malaysia.

  

  The Solo 1C is an entry level urban e-bike, first in a series of three models that will be brought to market by Blueshark. The other two e-bikes are the Solo 2 and Solo 3, which will feature versatile performance and extended range and power.

  Power for the Solo 1C is stored in a single removable LFP 70.4-Volt 28 Ah battery with charging using domestic current claimed to be approximately four hours. A 2 kW hub-mounted motor propels the Solo 1C to a maximum speed of 75 km/h with maximum range listed at 101 km based on the NEDC standard.

  There are four riding modes – One, Two, Three and Reverse – and weight is listed at 84 kg. Bluetooth connectivity to the rider’s smartphone locks and unlocks the Solo 1C, and the app provides security alarm and find my vehicle functions.

  

  

  The Solo 1 C comes in a choice of three colours – Lunar White, Nebula Green and Nova Orange. Designed for for affordability and simplicity, the Solo 1C uses the same swappable battery technology as Blueshark’s other e-bikes, sharing service and distribution infrastructure.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• 2025 Proton Saga MC3 seen at night – rear taillights with S70-like LED signature; LED projector headlamps

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Gerard Lye / 19 August 2025 5:37 pm

  

  The upcoming Proton Saga MC3 has been spotted yet again, this time undergoing testing at night as seen in photos posted by Syafiq Ismail in the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group on Facebook.

  UPDATE: Another member of the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group, Carsun Ang, posted more photos showing a better view of the Saga MC3’s new headlamps.

  OP’s post gives us a rather good look at the Saga’s revised exterior lighting, where the rear taillights appear to be of the LED variety and feature slanted dashes. The latter is similar to what you’ll find on the larger S70, although the Saga’s bigger brother has fewer dashes (we count at least five on the Saga prototype) and they point inwards rather than outwards.

  A separate photo of the prototype’s side also shows the new projector LED headlamps, although this could only be available with higher-spec variants. LED headlamps would be a first for the Saga, which has been on halogens for a long time. Another set of photos posted recently in the group provide a better view of the Saga’s new eyes, which look to feature two light bars acting as indicators on the inner part of each cluster.

  As for what else we can expect with the Saga MC3, a leaked document reveals the sedan will get a new 1.5 litre inline-four petrol engine (deep dive here) and a choice of two transmissions. Three variants are listed in the document, with the Standard and Executive getting an automatic transmission, while the presumably top-spec Premium will come with a CVT.

  

  

  

  The current Saga is powered by a 1.3 litre inline-four petrol unit making 95 (94 hp or 70 kW) and 120 Nm of torque, with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, although the former has been on its way out for some time. If the document is legit, we’re looking at substantial changes to the Saga’s powertrain.

  As for design changes, photos of an uncamouflaged car show a full-width concave grille with an Ethereal Bow cupping the Proton logo and a thick chrome strip visually connecting the new LED headlamps, which feature hockey stick-shaped daytime running lights. The interior gets a new dashboard with a textured section ahead of the front passenger, pill-shaped air vents and twin conjoined screens.

  Again, considerable revisions, and that’s before considering the Saga MC3 will come with an ADAS suite. There’s still no indication when the Saga MC3 will be launched, but do you like what’s expected so far?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  Proton Saga MC3 spyshots

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

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• Zeekr Centre KLCC officially opened – 4,800 sq ft showroom by Preeminent Auto in Kuala Lumpur

  In Local News, Zeekr / by Mick Chan / 19 August 2025 5:36 pm

  

  Zeekr Malaysia authorised dealer Preeminent Auto has officially opened Zeekr Centre KLCC, a 4,800 square-foot showroom located along Jalan Yap Kwan Seng in Kuala Lumpur, where official pricing for the Zeekr 009 Executive has been announced. Zeekr Centre KLCC is open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm.

  This serves as the flagship showroom for Preeminent Auto, and the dealer’s second location after Zeekr Centre IOI Mall Puchong that was opened in April this year. Zeekr Centre KLCC can accommodate up to five vehicles in its showroom, and there are three AC charging bays for customer use.

  “Over the past year, we’ve been deeply encouraged by the enthusiasm and support we have received as a brand from Malaysians. The opening of Zeekr Centre KLCC is more than just a milestone, but a testament to Zeekr’s long-term commitment to this market. Zeekr aims to provide all Malaysians with accessible, luxurious and innovative offerings and our focus remains on expanding network availability and increasing marketing investment,” Zeekr Southeast Asia managing director Alex Bao said in a statement.

  

  

  

  

  “Zeekr Centre KLCC is a reflection of our shared commitment to elevating the premium EV experience in Malaysia. Here, visitors can explore Zeekr’s cutting-edge EV lineup and interact with experienced sales advisors, go for a test drive to experience the dynamism of Zeekr’s technology and innovation, as well as experience firsthand the brand’s ‘Luxury Reimagined’ philosophy,” said Preeminent Auto managing director Jiao Qinghua.

  Maintenance and aftersales support for Zeekr customers in Malaysia, including Zeekr Centre KLCC customers, is located at the Zeekr Malaysia aftersales location in Bandar Sunway. For the southern region, Preeminent Auto is aiming to have its aftersales setup in Skudai, Johor operational in the fourth quarter of this year.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• July 2025 Malaysian vehicle sales up by 28% – MAA

  In Local News, MAA Vehicle Sales Data / by Gerard Lye / 19 August 2025 4:25 pm

  

  The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data for the month of July 2025, which saw a total of 70,057 units delivered to customers. This is considerably more than the 54,863 units sold in June 2025 and represents an increase of 28% or 15,194 units.

  The association attributes the increase to the higher number of working days in July (23) compared to June (19), the latter a result of the Hari Raya Aidiladha week. On a year-to-year (YoY) basis, July 2025’s total is 5% or 3,444 units less than the 73,501 units recorded for the month of July 2024.

  Looking at the year-to-date (YTD) tally, a total of 443,777 vehicles has been sold in the first seven months of 2025. This too is 5% down (21,175 units to be exact) when compared to the same period in 2024. At this point, total industry volume (TIV) is about 57% of the association’s full-year sales forecast of 780,000 units.

  The sales momentum in July 2025 is expected to continue into August 2025, the association said in its release. This is due to companies aggressively pushing promotions in conjunction with the Merdeka celebration, new model launches and higher stock availability supported by last month’s high production volume.

  On that mention, July 2025 saw vehicle production hit 71,439 units, which marks a YoY improvement of 1% or 597 units from July 2024. However, YTD production is at 424,065 units, which is down 8% or 39,041 units compared to the same period last year.

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• Zeekr 009 Executive price in Malaysia confirmed, RM299,800 – 340 PS single motor, 604 km WLTP range

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local Car Launches, Local News, Zeekr / by Mick Chan / 19 August 2025 4:08 pm

  

  The Zeekr 009 Executive has now been officially launched for Malaysia, and the battery-electric MPV is now priced at RM299,800, making the confirmed pricing for this variant RM10,200 cheaper than its introductory price figure in May this year, after the model range was first launched in December 2024.

  Each order of the Zeekr 009 Executive will include a complimentary booking package, which consists of a free Wallbox charger, a free portable charger, as well as free solar window tinting, along with one year of complimentary connected services comprised of the Zeekr App, onboard navigation and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

  While the 009 Executive represents the entry point to the brand’s MPV line with a single-motor, 340 PS/373 Nm powertrain driving the front wheels as compared to the dual-motor AWD powertrain of its rangemates, this variant has the same 116 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, which brings a WLTP-rated range of 604 km, compared to 582 km for the AWD variants.

  In terms of charging, the 009 Executive can take up to 11 kW AC which will bring a 0-100% charge in 13.5 hours. Fast charging is rated at up to 150 kW DC, which will bring a 10-80% recharge in 30 minutes.

  

  

  

  

  The more modest powertrain specification of the Executive variant means a 0-100 km/h time of 7.9 seconds, compared to 4.5 seconds for the dual-motor 612 PS/693 Nm variants. Top speed is 210 km/h.

  The 009 Executive gets slightly different specification at its price relative to the Luxury and Ultra Luxury variants. Though this variant initially arrived on the market with a single-chamber air suspension setup, it has since been updated to get dual-chamber air suspension. Inside, the Executive does without the electronic front door latches, while steering column adjustment is manual rather than electric.

  Carried over for the latest iteration of the 009 Executive are matrix LED headlamps with adaptive driving beam and front lighting system, LED daytime running lights, interior ambient lighting, Nappa leather/Ultrasuede upholstery, powered first- and second-row seats (with ventilation and massage functions), seven airbags and an ADAS suite.

  For exterior colours, the Zeekr 009 Executive is offered in Crystal White and Phantom Black; the Mineral Green exterior paint finish is reserved for Luxury and Ultra Luxury variants of the 009. The Zeekr 009 Executive is covered by a five-year, 150,000 km overall vehicle warranty, and an eight-year, 160,000 km drive motor and battery warranty.

  2025 Zeekr 009 brochure

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: 2025 Zeekr 009 Executive

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Jaecoo J5 EV launched in Thailand – CBU, 58.9 kWh battery, 400 km WLTP, 211 PS/288 Nm, RM71k-78k

  In Cars, International News, Omoda Jaecoo / by Jonathan James Tan / 19 August 2025 2:53 pm

  

  After launching in the UK, the Jaecoo J5 EV has been launched in Thailand in 549k baht (RM71k) Dynamic and 599k baht (RM78k) Max variants, according to Autolifethailand.tv. These prices apply to the first 1,000 units until September 30, after which they should rise to 629k (RM82k) and 679k baht (RM88k).

  It’s called the Jaecoo 5 EV (no ‘J’) there. Imported CBU from China, the B-segment EV SUV carries a 58.9 kWh battery (a bit smaller than what Britain gets, but it can swallow the same 80 kW DC and 11 kW AC) that yields a 461 km NEDC range (400 km WLTP). 0-100 km/h takes 7.7 seconds and top speed is 175 km/h thanks to a 211 PS/288 Nm front-mounted electric motor.

  Length, width, height, wheelbase and ground clearance are respectively 4,380, 1,860, 1,650, 2,620 and 174 mm. There’s a 35-litre frunk and a 480-litre boot (fold the back seats down for 1,284 litres). Suspension is handled by MacPherson struts up front and multi-links out back.

  

  

  

  Both variants get Eco/Normal/Sport modes, 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/55 rubber, dual-zone auto air-con with rear air vents, a 10.25-inch instrument panel, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 50W wireless charger, six airbags and TPMS. What does the Max get that the base Dynamic doesn’t?

  The answers are power-foldable side mirrors with demister, six speakers instead of two, roof rails, a panoramic glass roof, power sunshades, power tailgate, 64-colour ambient lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel and door cards, powered and ventilated front seats (driver six-way, passenger four-way), rear centre armrest, a bigger centre touch-screen (12.3 versus the Dynamic’s nine inches), AEB and ACC.

  Omoda & Jaecoo Thailand offers an eight-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000 km motor and high-voltage battery warranty, along with freebies including one year’s insurance and a wallbox with installation. Prefer ICE? The petrol-powered J5 is coming to Malaysia.

  Jaecoo J5 EV at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Volkswagen delivers its 1.5 millionth ID. EV in less than five years since the first ID.3 rolled off the line

  In Cars, International News, Volkswagen / by Gerard Lye / 19 August 2025 2:30 pm

  

  Volkswagen has announced it has delivered its 1.5 millionth ID. electric vehicle (EV), less than five years since the first ID.3 rolled off the line in November 2019. The milestone vehicle was a black ID.7 Tourer Pro built at the company’s Emden plant for a customer from Vechta.

  The Emden plant is Volkswagen’s third EV-dedicated facility in Germany after Zwickau and Dresden. Other locations making EVs include the Chattanooga plant in United States as well as the company’s partnerships in China.

  “1.5 million ID. models delivered – this clearly shows that Volkswagen is a pioneer in the field of electromobility. Almost exactly five years ago, in September 2020, the first electric vehicles from Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. family were delivered,” said Martin Sander, Volkswagen board member for sales, marketing and aftersales.

  

  “Volkswagen now tops the registration statistics in the electric segment not only in Germany but also in Europe. This confirms that our portfolio contains the vehicles our customers need. As a company, we are on the right path. Volkswagen remains a trailblazer in the ramp-up phase of electromobility,” he added.

  The ID. family started with the launch of the ID.3 in 2020, the company’s first vehicle developed exclusively as an electric car built on the MEB platform. A year later, the ID.4 made its debut and would be joined by the ID.5, ID.6 (China) and ID. Buzz. The latest additions are the ID.7 that comes in sedan and estate (ID.7 Tourer) forms, along with the China-exclusive ID. Unyx 06.

  Moving forward, the production version of the ID. 2all will be launched in 2026, with the production ID. Every1 coming a year after that – both are meant to be affordable EVs to increase accessibility.

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• Sime Motors Power Up charging for BYD Atto 2; Allianz offers EV Ranger, RoboRanger rescue service

  In Local News, Technology / by Mick Chan / 19 August 2025 1:31 pm

  

  As battery-electric vehicles continue to gain market share, demand for user support will also increase. One such type of service is EV mobile charging and rescue recharge.

  For buyers of the recently-launched BYD Atto 2, Sime Motors has partnered with Power Up Malaysia to support vehicle charging for owners of the electric crossover.

  This comes as part of the 12-month Sime Platinum 4+ by Power Up subscription programme which offers mobile vehicle charging up to four times a month, vehicle hand-wash, vacuum and tyre shine services up to twice a month, and free EV rescue service up to twice a year for selected areas.

  

  

  

  

  Sime Motors EV charging and rescue vehicle – click to enlarge

  Photographed here with a single-cab Ford Ranger as its base, the Power Up mobile charging/rescue vehicle is equipped with a 120 kWh battery, and this is dispensed at up to 120 kW DC. As part of the 12-month Sime Platinum 4+ by Power Up subscription, each of the four mobile charging sessions a month will recharge the customer vehicle to 80% SoC.

  The first stage of deployment of Power Up mobile charging and rescue services is offered in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Penang, with three units to serve across these areas. This is to be grown to four units for Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, and two units for Penang by end of the year.

  The service will cover all of Klang Valley and Penang from January 2026, while the southern region will see the inclusion of Johor Bahru by the first quarter of 2026, according Power Up personnel.

  

  Rescuing an electric vehicle that has insufficient battery charge is a procedure that is more involved than refuelling a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle that has run out. To that end, Allianz has a fleet of EV rescue vehicles, also shown at the Malaysian market launch of the BYD Atto 2.

  Among the more conventional vehicles in the fleet is a rather curious-looking contraption, the RoboRanger. This is a remote-driven robotic cart that serves the EV rescue recharge role, and its form makes it applicable in confined spaces such as car park buildings that cannot be accessed by a conventional flatbed truck.

  It is on a flatbed truck that the RoboRanger rescue cart arrives on, as it is not a road-legal vehicle, and it is then remotely driven on the car park grounds to the stricken EV in need of a charge to be mobile again.

  

  

  

  

  The RoboRanger will typically offer 10 kWh of charge at 80 kW DC to get the EV to a charging point, or slightly more than 10 kWh if the EV owners requires a bit more charge to get to their next stop, according to Allianz Malaysia.

  At present, there is one unit of the RoboRanger in service in the Klang Valley. The make and country of origin of the RoboRanger is undisclosed; Allianz Malaysia directly purchased the unit from its manufacturer, according to Allianz Malaysia personnel.

  

  

  Allianz EV Rangers – click to enlarge

  When attending to EVs in need of recharging in less confined spaces, the Allianz EV Ranger fleet has more conventional, road-going rescue vehicles carrying EV charging equipment.

  Allianz Malaysia presently has two vehicles in its EV Ranger fleet, each providing up to 10 kWh of recharge as with the RoboRanger robotic cart. This is dispensed at up to 80 kW DC.

  The EV Ranger service by Allianz Malaysia comes as part of the Allianz EV Shield vehicle insurance policy for EVs. This is for active Private Car Comprehensive (EV) policies, and policyholders receive RM200 in charging credit with the purchase of any eligible policy, including Smart Home Cover, Allianz Business Shield, Commercial Fire, Standard Fire, PremierHome, Houseowner, or Householder policy.

  Sime Motors Power Up mobile charging, EV rescue vehicle

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

  Allianz EV RoboRanger rescue recharge cart

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Allianz EV Rangers

  

  

  

  
  

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• NAP 2020 to be reviewed to ensure relevance – MITI

  In Cars, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 19 August 2025 12:30 pm

  

  The investment, trade and industry ministry (MITI) is working with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) on studying a mid-term review of the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020, deputy MITI minister Liew Chin Tong has said, according to a Bernama report.

  “This study involves in-depth engagement sessions with industry players, policymakers and relevant agencies to ensure that this policy is in line with current market needs and global technological developments,” he said in reply to Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik’s suggestion in parliament yesterday that the NAP be reviewed to be in line with the development of EVs.

  Although NAP 2020 is a 10-year policy, rapid changes in the industry necessitate a reassessment to keep the policy in line with current developments including next-generation vehicles (NxGV), Liew said.

  

  He added that in June, MITI established a Council of Automotive Eminent Persons (CAEP) that will produce a study before presenting it to MITI and then the Cabinet as a strategic recommendation to finalise the NAP 2020 review.

  The goals are to reduce petrol dependence (thus restoring Malaysia’s position as an oil-exporting nation), increase automotive component exports (particularly semiconductors) and develop a more stable and sustainable industry, Liew explained.

  “The updated policy will be a master plan for the future of Malaysia’s automotive industry to be in line with global trends such as the use of energy-efficient vehicles (EEV), smart mobility and automation,” he said.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• 2025 Tesla Model Y L launched in China – 6 seats, long wheelbase; up to 751 km CLTC EV range; from RM199k

  In Cars, International News, Tesla Motors / by Gerard Lye / 19 August 2025 11:32 am

  

  After some brief teasing, Tesla has officially launched the new Model Y L in China. As its name implies, this is the long-wheelbase version of the current Juniper facelift, which you can identify by the rather creative badge at the back. This writer deduces that the ‘Y’ being “shadowed” twice over points towards both the longer body and three-row seating that the Model Y L offers.

  Yes, where the normal Model Y has seating for up to five people across two rows, the L version swaps out the second-row bench for two captain chairs and adds on a 50:50 split-folding bench in the third row for a 2-2-2 layout. Those captain chairs are pretty fancy too, as they feature power-folding armrests, ventilation and heating functions, and can be electronically folded (up to 125 degrees of recline angle) for even more cargo space.

  There’s also a panoramic glass sunroof to allow for more natural light to come in, with Tesla claiming a “wide and bright view” and that “each seat offers ample headroom and legroom.” The company also points out that the maximum expandable cargo volume is 2,539 litres compared to 2,130 litres for the normal Model Y.

  

  

  

  To enable all this additional space, the Model Y L measures 4,976 mm long, 1,982 mm wide (mirrors folded; 2,129 mm when extended), 1,668 mm tall and its wheelbase measures 3,040 mm. By comparison, the regular Model Y is 4,797 mm long, 1,624 mm tall and its wheelbase is 2,891 mm long.

  Based on the figures, the Model Y L is 179 mm longer overall, all of which appears to have gone to stretching the wheelbase. The difference in height of 44 mm reflects the redesigned roofline, which is necessary so passengers in the third row can preserve their necks. This, along with the revised rear spoiler, results in a drag coefficient of 0.216.

  It’s worth pointing that in the United States, the pre-Juniper Model Y was offered with optional third-row seats for 2-3-2 layout. However, the additional seats were shoehorned into a vehicle that saw no change to its size and made the third row a cramped place to be in.

  

  At the front of the cabin, the Model Y L looks nearly identical to its short-wheelbase stablemate. However, there are some minor improvements, including a larger central touchscreen that now measures 16 inches (our Model Y gets a 15.4-inch unit). The control panel at the tail end of the centre console is still here above an air vent, which works together with additional vents in the B- and C-pillars to keep occupants comfortable.

  CarNewsChina also reports the wireless charging pad has been upgraded to support simultaneous fast charging (with air cooling) at up to 50W and 30W, while the new Tesla Audio system gains a subwoofer at the base of the centre console and two additional speakers in the overhead beam for a total of 19 sound outlets. The front seats also get a power-extendable under-thigh support now, while charging ports are available for every seats in the second and third row.

  In terms of pricing, the Model Y L retails for 339,000 yuan (about RM199k), making it the most expensive version of the Model Y in China. For context, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive costs 313,500 (RM184k), while the Rear-Wheel Drive is at 263,500 yuan (RM155k).

  

  The powertrain is a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup featuring an 82-kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery that powers a front electric motor rated at 193 PS (190 hp or 142 kW) and a rear unit with 269 PS (266 hp or 198 kW).

  This setup enables a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 201 km/h. As for the range, the CLTC-rated figure is 751 km, which is just one km more than the LR AWD that shares the same top speed but is quicker in the century sprint at 4.3 seconds.

  Optional add-ons include alternative paint finishes priced at either 8,000 or 12,000 yuan (RM4.7k or RM7k) and enhanced driver assistance packages that come in two tiers listed at 32,000 and 64,000 yuan (RM19k and RM38k). The Model Y L only comes with 19-inch aero wheels in a different design to those seen on the standard-wheelbase variants, and there’s a new Cosmic Silver exterior paint.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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