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New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Tech‑driven safety: The twin pillars of Malaysia's automotive evolution
THE automotive industry in Malaysia is experiencing a shift now that connectivity and safety - once considered premium add-ons - have now become non-negotiable. Car buyers today are not merely looking for a means of transport - they're seeking smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility solutions. This shift is reshaping the landscape for automakers and policymakers alike. As global trends continue to influence regional demand, Malaysia is carving its own path forward. The push for electrification and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) reflects both government ambition and consumer readiness. With the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020) promoting next-generation vehicles and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint outlining long-term sustainability goals, the future of mobility in Malaysia hinges on a dual pursuit: technological innovation and uncompromising safety. Smart Tech As The New Standard Malaysians are increasingly prioritising connected features and intelligent systems in their vehicles. From infotainment integrations to autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, automotive technologies once considered premium are becoming expected - even in mid-range models. According to MDEC, Malaysia's digital economy is projected to contribute over 25 per cent to GDP by 2025, a growth trajectory that naturally extends to digital integration in vehicles. This growing appetite for intelligent tech is driving carmakers to reimagine their value proposition. Modern consumers are more tech-savvy, demanding seamless connectivity, user-friendly interfaces, and safety enhancements that anticipate and prevent collisions. As such, vehicle software is now as important as hardware - if not more. Leapmotor, a successful new energy vehicle startup originating from China, embodies the spirit of innovation, much like the potential of inventing something from a blank canvas. The brand's commitment to in-house technology development sets them apart. Coupled with award-winning designs, Leapmotor vehicles provide an eco-friendly and technologically sophisticated mobility, featuring advanced ADAS and smart driving assistance - all engineered to satisfy the evolving expectations of today's drivers in the region that puts technology as a core element of the driving experience. Safety Isn't Optional - It's The Selling Point Once a differentiator, safety is now a non-negotiable for car buyers. Organisations like Asean NCAP have helped elevate safety standards in the region, and Malaysian consumers are becoming more discerning. Features like lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and autonomous emergency braking are no longer optional upgrades - they are deal-breakers. Real-world data reinforces this shift in priorities. Studies show that vehicles equipped with AEB can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 52 per cent while pedestrian-detection AEB has been shown to cut related fatalities by 25–27 per cent. These figures underline why consumers are placing greater trust in vehicles that incorporate active safety systems - and why automakers must continue to make them more widely available. This emphasis on safety is not merely about ticking regulatory boxes - it is about earning consumer confidence in an increasingly complex driving environment. Whether navigating city congestion or long-distance travel, drivers now expect their vehicles to serve as a second pair of eyes, intervening where necessary to prevent accidents before they happen. Adapting To Evolving Preferences As Malaysia's automotive maturity deepens, consumer preferences are becoming more sophisticated. Affordability remains crucial, but there's a stronger focus on long-term value - fuel efficiency, digital connectivity, and after-sales service. Today's buyer is informed, comparison-driven, and future-oriented. Global brands that succeed in Malaysia understand that a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works. Stellantis Malaysia has been steadily adapting its portfolio to this reality. By offering models that integrate technology, safety, and localised design cues, the group continues to build relevance in markets across Asean. The all-new C10 by Leapmotor signals a thoughtful response to demand for accessible EVs that do not compromise on quality or features. Equipped with ADAS Level 2 capabilities offering 16 types of advanced safety functions, the Leapmotor C10 has achieved five-star safety ratings across Europe's NCAP, Australia's ANCAP and China's C-NCAP. At the same time, Peugeot continues to evolve its identity in Malaysia, delivering cars such as the landmark Peugeot 408 fastback that blend signature style with next-generation safety, garnering design awards such as the prestigious 2023 Red Dot Design Award, and smart tech to meet the expectations of today's discerning drivers. The Road Ahead As Malaysia moves toward its goals for electrification and intelligent mobility, the role of automakers goes beyond product delivery - it is about shaping ecosystems. This includes investing in local partnerships, enhancing after-sales service networks, and helping set the tone for safer, smarter transport systems. For Stellantis Malaysia, this is not just an opportunity - it is a responsibility. Through its multi-brand strategy and partnerships like Leapmotor, the company aims to make advanced automotive technologies not just available, but accessible. It's a vision of mobility where safety and intelligence are not privileges - they are the baseline. As Malaysia navigates this new era, global players who listen, localise and lead through innovation will help drive the country toward a more connected, secure and sustainable automotive future. *The writer is Stellantis managing director of Asean.
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Express
Get a real kick out of the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 By: Terence Toh, FMT Lifestyles Text Size: Christiansen Ng and Irene Cho have fallen in love with their Nissan KICKS e-POWER electrified vehicles. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA: Like many Malaysian drivers, finance analyst Irene Cho had never been behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle before. When she heard, however, that the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER electrified compact SUV had hit the local market in December, she decided to check it out. Stopping by an Edaran Tan Chong Motors outlet, Cho gave the vehicle a test drive – and fell in love with it immediately. 'It felt very powerful, and the price was reasonable, so I decided to take it. I'm involved with an NGO, and just a few days after getting the car, I had to go from Kuala Lumpur to Perlis for a project. I had a very, very good drive!' Cho told FMT Lifestyle. Equipped with Nissan's second-generation e-POWER system, this new SUV offers a thrilling and efficient drive, perfect for those trying out electric mobility for the first time. The revolutionary new vehicle combines style and sustainability, offering drivers remarkable 21.7km/l fuel efficiency at estimated distances of 900km per full tank. The vehicle is fully electric-motor-driven, with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that acts as a generator for its lithium-ion battery. This means the Nissan KICKS e-POWER never needs to be charged externally. Its innovative e-Pedal Step also allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate with a single pedal, with a unique regenerative braking system employed to help charge its battery. All this equates to a smoother driving experience – something Christiansen Ng has definitely been enjoying. The KL-based banker revealed that the Nissan KICKS e-POWER's pleasant handling once helped him stay cool-headed through a five-hour traffic jam during the festive season. 'It goes very smoothly around corners. With previous cars, my mother used to get motion sickness. But with this car, she doesn't,' Ng shared. Both Cho and Ng expressed admiration over how silent the Nissan KICKS e-POWER is. Even at highway speeds, the vehicle seems engineered for serenity, gliding like a cloud over most types of terrain. This is thanks to an extensive use of insulative materials in its engine system. They also liked having the option to switch between multiple driving modes – ECO, SPORT, STANDARD, and EV – each subtly shifting how the car behaves. It's not just about performance, but about giving the driver a bit more say in how the journey unfolds. Road safety is also a top priority for car buyers today, and this demand is clearly reflected in the design of the Nissan KICKS e-POWER. The stylish vehicle comes with a plethora of advanced safety features aimed to provide users with peace of mind. The Nissan KICKS e-POWER boasts a five-star Asean NCAP rating, the highest level of safety evaluation. This is thanks to features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Intelligent Driver Awareness, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning. 'I like Nissan's 360˚Safety Technology,' Ng said. 'There were times when there were cars that braked unexpectedly in front of me, and it was lucky I had the Autonomous Braking System. It started beeping to warn me. I'm very happy because it helped prevent what could have been an accident.' As for Cho, her favourite feature is the Intelligent Rear View Mirror. This mounted 2MP camera with a high-resolution display offers drivers wide, reflection-free views of what's behind the vehicle through clear, flicker-free images. 'I find this very useful when going down Malaysian highways; it helps me prepare for the unpredictable. With this mirror, I can see what's behind me very clearly. It helps me feel safer,' Cho said. Other highlights include its 7-inch (17.8cm) full-colour driver instrument display, a D-shaped flat-bottom steering wheel with multifunction controls, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch (20.3cm) touchscreen offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Nissan KICKS e-POWER comes in two variants: VL and VLT. Colour options are Brilliant White Pearl, Sunrise Orange, Red Pearl, Brilliant Silver and Black Star. For those looking to make a bolder statement, the VLT variant adds a touch of flair with two-tone options featuring a Super Black roof, along with an exclusive Dark Metal Grey body colour. Prices begin at RM113,800, making this a compelling entry point into the world of electrified driving with a sporty edge.
