WapCar News

Following the recent viral video of a Chery Omoda 5 allegedly experiencing a rear axle (specifically, a lower control arm) failure, Chery Malaysia confirmed today that it will inspect a further 600 cars to check and if necessary, replace the affected parts. Chery says the issue is traced back to a "facility upgrade exercise." Presumably, this refers to the company's contract manufacturer Inokom's plant in Kulim. The Chery Omoda 5 is locally assembled (CKD) in Kulim. The 600 affected cars are tra

Sanjay

Apr 30, 2024

If you were asked to name a two-door coupe that has a perfectly balanced 50:50 front:rear weight distribution, sporty looking frameless doors, with greater torsional rigidity than a Porsche 718, and suspension that allows it to chase a BMW 4 Series through a slalom course, what would be your answer? Hozon Auto is not a name many are familiar with. The manufacturer of Neta branded cars want to change that, fast. Yes, Neta is not a name that Malaysians would want to mention alongside Tesla or BYD,

Hans

Apr 30, 2024

Smartphone maker, Xiaomi, has pulled off what Apple gave up on, it launched its first-ever car, the Xiaomi SU7 battery electric vehicle (BEV). Launched last month, the SU7 – pronounced “Soo-7” (I see a Cristiano Ronaldo connection there), is one of the biggest draws at Auto China 2024 with long queues snaking outside its booth. As announced by Xiaomi in its Weibo profile earlier this month, 88,888 ‘firm orders’ of the SU7 have been made across the country, essentially selling out all 2024 units.

CY Foong

Apr 30, 2024

Governments in the US and the Europe Union claim that China is subsidizing the production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to the point that there is no production excess capacity, leading to ‘dumping’ of Chinese BEVs in export markets. There is some truth in that claim, but like many complex subjects, a bit more nuances is required to give an honest answer. Despite accusations of dumping cheap BEVs overseas, world No.1 BEV and PHEV manufacturer BYD is selling its cars in export markets at fa

Hans

Apr 30, 2024

The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton has maintained its position as the second most popular pickup truck in Malaysia for the second consecutive year. With sales totaling 8,636 units during the Financial Year 2023 (April 2023 – March 2024), the Triton continues to hold its ground against stiff competition from newer models such as the Ford Ranger. The strong performance of the Triton, combined with the success of the Mitsubishi Xpander which sold 11,384 units, contributed to Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM

Arvind

Apr 30, 2024

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has announced that the Mitsubishi Xpander has continued its reign as the top non-national MPV in Malaysia. The Xpander achieved impressive sales with 11,384 units sold in the Financial Year 2023, spanning from April 2023 to March 2024. Speaking about the Xpander results, Shinya Ikeda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, added "We are thrilled to witness the Xpander’s continued dominance in Malaysia. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to delivering h

Arvind

Apr 30, 2024

In a strategic move to enhance its research and development capabilities, Proton has officially opened a new R&D centre in China. Situated within the Geely Automobile Research Institute (GRI) at Hangzhou Bay, this facility marks a significant step in Proton's collaboration with its partner, Zhejiang Geely Holding Ltd (Geely). The inauguration event, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, was attended by prominent figures including Tan Sri Sy

Arvind

Apr 30, 2024

With Honda announcing its aim to offer only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in China by 2035, the Big H introduced the Ye Series of BEVs which are exclusive to the world’s largest consumer of cars for now. Named after the Chinese character “烨” which means “shine brilliantly”, Honda displayed three of its upcoming models at the ongoing Auto China 2024 in Beijing. The three models consist of two SUVs and a sedan with the former two expected for launch at the end of 2024. The Ye P7 and Ye S7 are t

CY Foong

Apr 30, 2024

Elon Musk has snubbed India, postponing his earlier scheduled visit to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before flying to China to meet Premier Li Qiang. Musk was originally scheduled to meet Modi from 21 to 22 April 2024. When Musk posted on X “Looking forward to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India!” it elicited a same-day response from China’s state-owned propaganda mouthpiece Global Times, which poured cold water on India’s ability to attract investments from Tesla. Global Times sa

Hans

Apr 30, 2024

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the facelifted (V167) 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC boasting updated design details, improved connectivity as well as minor changes to its powertrain as well. First things first, the new model is now priced at RM 528,888—a slight increase from the pre-facelift model’s RM 515,888. As before, the 2024 GLE 450 is locally-assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang. The premium 7-seater SUV retains its 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid technology and 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder M

Arvind

Apr 30, 2024

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has confirmed it is seeking clarification from German authorities regarding the recent seizures of 4 Bugatti Veyrons, which are reportedly linked to the 1MDB scandal. Bernama reports, that the latest seizures further add to 50 other luxury vehicles seized in 2018 by Swiss authorities, which are also part of MACC’s sprawling multinational investigation into 1MDB. The first 50 vehicles seized are valued at around RM 200 million. These 50 vehicles are

Arvind

Apr 29, 2024

At its launch in 2022, the Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 Pure Electric was the first CKD-assembled BEV in the Malaysian market. Stylish, well-built and very powerful, the XC40 P8 enjoyed a superb reception at the outset. However, with many newer models both from direct rivals such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, as well as newer competitors like Tesla in the premium segment, the XC40 P8 has faded into the background. In addition, at RM 278k currently, it is also undercut by quite a few rivals. But how does a

Arvind

Apr 29, 2024

At the ongoing Auto China 2024 held in Beijing, Honda launched its second set of Honda e:N Series battery electric vehicles (BEV) for the Chinese market. The Honda e:NP2 produced by GAC Honda goes on sale with a CNY 159,800 (~RM 105k) price tag. Meanwhile, its twin produced by Dongfeng Honda, the Honda e:NS2 will begin sales in June. Honda has two joint ventures in China with both brands offering twin models of each other like the Honda CR-V/Breeze and the Honda Civic/Integra. The Big H is targe

CY Foong

Apr 29, 2024

Chery Malaysia has released an official statement following the past weekend's viral social media post which apparently saw a Chery Omoda 5's had its rear lower arm snapped. It was alleged by the poster that the rear axle of the Omoda 5 had broken whilst being driven on a smooth road, without being involved in an accident. Read the statement in full below: "Chery Auto Malaysia is committed to providing safe and reliable transportation solutions, and we are dedicated to ensuring that all our vehi

Sanjay

Apr 29, 2024

Adding one more model to its expanding list, China's Neta Auto have unveiled the Neta L at the ongoing Beijing International Auto Show. Two powertrains are planned for it – it's launched as a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV), battery-electric (BEV) variants to come later – and it has its own generative AI software. The REEV variant promises a range of up to 1,070 km, combining a 1.5-litre engine with a 30.06 kWh battery, good for a combined power output of 231 PS and 310 Nm. Neta says it b

Sanjay

Apr 29, 2024

The Peugeot 408 is Stellantis Malaysia's first new model launch in the country since taking over distribution duties of the French Lion from Bermaz Auto. Locally assembled (CKD) at Stellantis Group's assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah, the Peugeot 408 is available in three variants: 408 Allure - RM 146,055 408 Premium - RM 166,055 408 GT - RM 196,055 All 3 variants are powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged PureTech 4-cylinder engine with an output of 218 PS and 300 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheel

CY Foong

Apr 29, 2024

Chery Malaysia is set to expand its production capacity with a new local assembly plant (CKD) in Shah Alam Selangor. Scheduled to open in Q3 of 2024, Executive VP of Chery International, Chen Chun Qing, confirmed this development to local media during the 2024 Chery International Business Conference at the brand’s headquarters in Wuhu, China. Currently, Chery’s local assembly operations, including models such as the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro, take place at the Inokom facility in Kulim, which it sh

Arvind

Apr 29, 2024

Much has been said about the longevity of batteries in battery electric vehicles (BEVs), understandably causing concern among potential buyers about future replacement costs. However, the GWM Ora 07 offers reassurance in this regard. To begin with, the Ora 07 is covered by a 6-year/150,000 km warranty for the vehicle, extending to 8-year/180,000 km solely for the battery and motor, whichever comes first. There’s also a one-to-one battery replacement is available should the battery's health dip b

Shaun

Apr 29, 2024

This is the Chery Omoda 7 that has just made its global debut. It sits right on top of the Omoda 5 in the family tree. Right off the bat, it’s quite a departure from the Omoda 5, but no less eye-catching design wise. Its front and rear fascia get an X motif, while the protruding Darth Vader style grille is reminiscent of the Lexus RX. The full-width light bar at the rear gets lightning bolt style graphics and round to the side, it wears a rather large set of 20-inch wheels, while the darkened D-

Shaun

Apr 29, 2024

Neta Auto, Qualcomm, and AutoLink have unveiled the Snapdragon Ride Flex (SA8775P) cockpit-to-drive fusion platform globally, ahead of the carmaker's plans to produce vehicles with the platform within the second quarter (Q2) of 2025. Compared to existing cockpit fusion systems, the Snapdragon Ride Flex uniquely supports both digital cockpits and intelligent driving functions through a single system-on-a-chip (SoC). Meaning ADAS and autonomous driving can exist on a single chip; theoratically thi

Sanjay

Apr 29, 2024

At the ongoing Auto China 2024 in Beijing, Geely’s premium all-electric (BEV) brand, Zeekr, unveiled its latest and fifth model, the Zeekr Mix. The Mix is the first model in the Geely Group to be built on the SEA-M architecture, a derivative of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform. It supports a wide range of mobility products from passenger vehicles like robotaxis and MPVs to commercial vehicles used for logistics. The Mix shown at the automotive exhibition features what Zeekr

CY Foong

Apr 29, 2024

Toyota Motor Thailand has presented 12 units of the battery-electric 2024 Toyota Hilux Revo-e to Pattaya as part of the city's 'Decarbonised Sustainable City Project' that has sustainable mobility as one of its key pillars. Running from April 2024 to December 2025, this project will see the Hilux BEV serve as songthaews, or fixed-route share-taxis. They can fit more people than sedan taxis, and are a popular alternative for those looking at cheaper ways to move around the coastal city. In fact,

Sanjay

Apr 27, 2024

The deluge of Chinese automakers worldwide has shaken up the global car industry in more ways than one, and other than serving up more options for buyers, most of them have been setting up plants outside of China to keep up with demand. More so in relatively price-sensitive South East Asia, where carmakers have to contend with policies that further solidify the case for local plants. To that end, many major carmakers have started making – or at the very least, announced plans – for facilities in

Sanjay

Apr 27, 2024

The outgoing Honda City Hatchback was the standard bearer for the safest, most practical, fuel-saving, affordable family hatchback. It’s not the cheapest hatchback model on the market but it’s easy to see where the extra money went to. None of its competitors can even come close to matching Honda’s combination of fuel-saving powertrain technology and balik kampung-friendly space. Fuel-saving or power? Why not both? First, there’s the dual-motor 1.5-litre e:HEV full-hybrid, which offers a very el

Hans

Apr 26, 2024

Yesterday, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) introduced the 2024 Toyota Yaris G Limited in Malaysia, a (600 unit) limited-run variant of its popular B-Segment hatchback, priced at RM 99,600. For the price premium, the 2024 Yaris G Limited adds an aero kit and aesthetic updates, handling upgrades (body braces and stiffer shocks), and notably a cold air intake system that boosts power. The latter of which, is quite uncommon. What does a cold air intake do? Well to understand, let’s get back to basics. Any p

Arvind

Apr 26, 2024

Blink and you will miss it. The Toyota Motor group (including Daihatsu and Hino) had just set a new sales record for its financial year ending March 2024, with 11,090,108 units sold, 5 percent higher than last year’s record of 10,558,230 units. Unlike other manufacturers, Toyota didn't make any grand announcement of its latest sales record. There was not even a single mention by Toyota that it had set a new sales record. In fact, the numbers were hidden in an obscure link to an Excel file. Toyot

Hans

Apr 26, 2024

These are the Toyota bZ3C and Toyota bZ3X battery electric vehicle (BEV) concepts that have just made their debut at the ongoing Beijing International Auto Show, previewing the Japanese carmaker's upcoming selection of fully-electrified vehicles. Launching in China next year, both these models were built in conjunction with Chinese partners familiar to Malaysians. The bZ3C sedan is jointly developed by Toyota, BYD, and local partners FAW. On the other hand, the bZ3X crossover is a result of shar

Sanjay

Apr 26, 2024

Tesla Malaysia has cut prices for its Model 3 and Model Y. All models / variants except for the recently announced Model 3 Performance have been slashed by RM 8k. The latest prices for Tesla Malaysia models are as below: Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: RM 181,000 Tesla Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive: RM 210,000 Tesla Model 3 Performance All-Wheel Drive: RM 242,000 Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive: RM 191,000 Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive: RM 238,000 Tesla Model Y Performance All-Whe

Hans

Apr 26, 2024

After months of teasers, the all-new MINI Aceman has officially made its debut. The new model is the brand's first BEV crossover and second full-electric offering after the 3-door MINI E. The MINI Aceman measures 4,076 mm or 4,094 mm in length, depending on the variant, the width is 1,754 mm, with a height of 1,515 mm. It rides on a 2,606 mm wheelbase. In terms of size and positioning, the Aceman (not a direct successor to the outgoing Paceman) will slot between the 3-door MINI Cooper and the MI

Arvind

Apr 26, 2024

At the Beijing Auto Show 2024, Chery has expanded its Tiggo range and introduced its flagship SUV, the Tiggo 9. Sajdin Osmancevic, Technical Design Director at Chery, highlighted the design inspiration behind the Tiggo 9 Series, drawing from two key concepts: "Conquer" and "Guard.” The Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV’s exterior embodies the “Conquer” philosophy, featuring an octagonal grille called “Saturn’s Ring,” 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, and the obligatory full-width light bar at the rear. In terms of d

Shaun

Apr 26, 2024