Latest news with #paultan.org
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
GAC approves V-Class rival and EV Aion model for South Africa
An official launch date for both models will be announced in due course. Available since 2022 in China, the GAC M8 will debut in South Africa in 2025. Image: Having remained relatively quiet since announcing a price drop of up to R100 000 on its flagship model in January, GAC Motor South Africa importer, Salvador Caetano Auto, has confirmed two additional products for introduction this year. M8 Its local line-up currently consisting of the Emzoom and Emkoo, the surprise first addition since the marque's arrival last year will be the M8 MPV, aimed at the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Toyota Quantum VX and Kia Carnival. Sold under the Trumpchi banner in China and not as a GAC, the dramatic looking M8 made its world debut in 2022 as a second generation model complete with petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options. ALSO READ: GAC cuts Emzoom and Emkoo prices by as much as R100 000 The latter setup having resulted in it being called E9 and not M8, the former pair continue to be sold as M8 has measurements of 5 212 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 3 070 mm, height of 1 823 mm and width of 1 893 mm. Incorporating a styling language called Soaring Wings 2.0, the M8 provides seating for seven in a 2-2-3 arrangement, with the second row consisting of a pair of captain-style chairs that can recline in an ottoman fashion. According to Malaysia's notable specification items include a 12-speaker sound system or an optional 16-speaker audio developed by Yamaha, tri-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment system and two supplementary displays for the second row. M8 has been described as a rival for the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Kia Carnival. Image: Dual sliding electric doors, an expansive panoramic sunroof, semi-autonomous driving tech and a surround-view camera system are additional features models en-route to South Africa could be fitted with On the power side, the petrol M8 makes do with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine sending 185kW/400Nm to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox Leveraging off of GAC's partnership with Toyota, the self-charging hybrid combines the same engine with an electric motor and battery pack for a total output of 177 kW. A Toyota-made CVT is the sole transmission available. Interior has little in common with the Emkoo and Emzoon on first glance. Image: >Introduced in 2023, the plug-in hybrid E9 pairs the 2.0-litre turbo with a 25.5-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor developing 132kW/300Nm on its own With the combustion unit's 140kW/330Nm factored in, the E9 outputs a total of 274kW/630Nm directed to all four wheels via a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The claimed all-electric range is 106 km, based on the NEDC ratings. With both combustion and EV mills operating, the E9 will travel a reported 1 032 km. Aion Y Plus All-electric Aion Y will make its long awaited debut later this year as well. Image: Announced during its formal market debut last year, the second new arrival will be long awaited all-electric Y sold under the EV-dedicated Aion brand. Set to be known as the GAC Aion Y and not Aion Y as in China, the MPV-styled model, which is classified as a compact crossover, made its world arrival in 2021 and has since spawned an improved model called the Aion Y Plus which will seemingly be the variant heading to South Africa. Updated in 2023 means the Aion Y carries the Plus suffix. Image: If so, the Y will have dimensions of 4 535 mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 750 mm, height of 1 650 mm and width of 1 870 mm A five-seater unlike the M8 specification, from Malaysia where sales commenced last year, amounts to two variants, with items comprising 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, ventilated and electric front seats and a surround-view camera system. Interior has a typical minimalist design to it. Image: GAC Thailand Also included is a wireless smartphone charger, panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning, to name a few. On the power front, the Aion Y, again in Plus form, offers a choice of two battery packs; a 50.6-kWh module allowing for a range of 410 km, and a bigger 63.2-kWh unit that makes 150kW/225Nm and results in a range of 490 km More soon As is stands, no launch date has yet been announced, however, expect to this within the coming weeks and months Additional information and images from NOW READ: GAC Emkoo throws surprise spanner in Chinese vehicle works
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Could this be Perodua's RM80,000 EV? Mystery test car seen charging at Gentari hub in Kuala Lumpur
Could this be Perodua's RM80,000 EV? Mystery test car seen charging at Gentari hub in Kuala Lumpur KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — A camouflaged vehicle was recently spotted testing on Malaysian roads. Based on its trade plate and location of its sightings, we might be looking at the upcoming Perodua EV. The first sighting was noted through an image obtained by MalaysianMotoring, which clearly showed the B3598A trade plate. This particular trade plate has been used by Perodua numerous times over the years with a variety of models, including Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart (Ativa Hybrid) and Daihatsu Ayla (Axia). MalaysianMotoring also pointed to the design of the vehicle's rear windscreen, which appears to be similar to the Perodua eMO-II Concept EV that was shown at the KL International Mobility Show last December. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The vehicle was also spotted by Mike Kong, who shared his findings through Automotive/Car Discussion Group on Facebook. Judging from the MKPJ label on the red cone and some of the building traits that are visible in the picture, it appears that the EV was charging at the Gentari EV charging hub at Menara KPJ in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. It also appears that there is another test unit at the location, albeit hiding under the car cover. There is also a Chery Omoda E5 in the picture but it is unclear whether the EV is there by coincidence or is being used as a benchmark by Perodua. The clearest look at the camouflaged test vehicle came from a set of photos that Meng Lee Chen shared through another post on Facebook group. This particular set depicts the EV going through an unspecified highway. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement What do we know about Perodua EV so far? Most of the official details that we know so far regarding Perodua EV were revealed during the unveiling of Perodua eMO-II Concept EV last year. For one, the EV is designed to deliver 400km of range and will be powered by a CATL LFP battery pack with a capacity of around 50kWh. At the event, the company did not reveal any other performance figures for its new EV aside from aiming to hit a 0-100km/h timing of under 7 seconds. It also said that it takes around 8 hours to fully charge the EV through AC charging, while it takes around 30 minutes to get from 30 per cent to 80 per cent via DC charging. At the same event, Perodua also said the new EV will be priced under RM90,000. Fast forward a few months later, the company's President and CEO, Zainal Abidin Ahmad reportedly said that the EV could be priced at RM80,000 but 'without' the battery. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Instead, customers have to sign up for a separate battery leasing service. While this method may sound odd, it has been used in the automotive industry before by the likes of Vinfast and Renault. Perodua Ace EV, as envisioned by automotive artist, Theottle. Meanwhile, Sime Darby's Group CEO, Jeffri Salim Davidson has previously said that Perodua's new EV will begin testing in June while the launch will take place in December 2025. We also expect Perodua to announce some updates on its EV project at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 next week, so stay tuned. — SoyaCincau
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Could this be Perodua's RM80,000 EV? Mystery test car seen charging at Gentari hub in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — A camouflaged vehicle was recently spotted testing on Malaysian roads. Based on its trade plate and location of its sightings, we might be looking at the upcoming Perodua EV. The first sighting was noted through an image obtained by MalaysianMotoring, which clearly showed the B3598A trade plate. This particular trade plate has been used by Perodua numerous times over the years with a variety of models, including Daihatsu Rocky e-Smart (Ativa Hybrid) and Daihatsu Ayla (Axia). MalaysianMotoring also pointed to the design of the vehicle's rear windscreen, which appears to be similar to the Perodua eMO-II Concept EV that was shown at the KL International Mobility Show last December. The vehicle was also spotted by Mike Kong, who shared his findings through Automotive/Car Discussion Group on Facebook. Judging from the MKPJ label on the red cone and some of the building traits that are visible in the picture, it appears that the EV was charging at the Gentari EV charging hub at Menara KPJ in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. It also appears that there is another test unit at the location, albeit hiding under the car cover. There is also a Chery Omoda E5 in the picture but it is unclear whether the EV is there by coincidence or is being used as a benchmark by Perodua. The clearest look at the camouflaged test vehicle came from a set of photos that Meng Lee Chen shared through another post on Facebook group. This particular set depicts the EV going through an unspecified highway. What do we know about Perodua EV so far? Most of the official details that we know so far regarding Perodua EV were revealed during the unveiling of Perodua eMO-II Concept EV last year. For one, the EV is designed to deliver 400km of range and will be powered by a CATL LFP battery pack with a capacity of around 50kWh. At the event, the company did not reveal any other performance figures for its new EV aside from aiming to hit a 0-100km/h timing of under 7 seconds. It also said that it takes around 8 hours to fully charge the EV through AC charging, while it takes around 30 minutes to get from 30 per cent to 80 per cent via DC charging. At the same event, Perodua also said the new EV will be priced under RM90,000. Fast forward a few months later, the company's President and CEO, Zainal Abidin Ahmad reportedly said that the EV could be priced at RM80,000 but 'without' the battery. Instead, customers have to sign up for a separate battery leasing service. While this method may sound odd, it has been used in the automotive industry before by the likes of Vinfast and Renault. Perodua has just unveiled its eMO-II, their latest EV concept which is expected to be the Electric Myvi for the masses. — SoyaCincau pic Perodua Ace EV, as envisioned by automotive artist, Theottle. Meanwhile, Sime Darby's Group CEO, Jeffri Salim Davidson has previously said that Perodua's new EV will begin testing in June while the launch will take place in December 2025. We also expect Perodua to announce some updates on its EV project at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 next week, so stay tuned. — SoyaCincau
