Kicking things off on Cruise Control with our biggest news this week, Ali, Richard, and Daniel get into the newly announced road tax structure for zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) coming into effect in 2026. Next, with the possibility of a lemon law finally being introduced next year, we find out what it means to the country's car landscape and why we need it pronto. Then, some car launches already making waves fresh off the production lines: the Ford Ranger Stormtrak 2024 and the Peugeot 408 Hybrid.

In part two, Daniel unpacks the Chinese auto invasion in ASEAN that began in 2022 and its impact on the region, the first effects of which we're possibly seeing with the Subaru Corporation as they phase out the assembly of all Subaru vehicles in South East Asia - a move that might be the first casualty of this wave and possibly the first of many.

And to round things up, we've got a used car review! This time, it's all about the BMW 118i 2014 - the 10-year-old BMW filling up the classifieds that might surprise you.

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On Cruise Control this week, Ali and Daniel rev things up with the biggest highlights from the Malaysia Autoshow 2024: Perodua's first EV prototype in the form of the eMO-1 Myvi conversion, Neta Auto's latest offerings, and the brand new smart #3.

Next, from four wheels to two wheels, they get into the new models rolling into our showrooms from two motorcycle icons; Vespa's Sprint and Primavera, to Triumph's upgraded Scrambler 1200 X and XE, the Tiger 900, and the Daytona 660. Then, it's all about the new players in the Malaysian market hailing from China- GAC Group and BAIC Motor- and the models they're making a splash with.

Finally, if you've got your eyes on a pre-owned Renault, you're in luck. Find out why you should definitely consider a Renault Captur in this week's used car guide.

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It's double trouble on the show this week as Daniel and Ali steer us through the latest in the automotive world.

Starting things off with a couple of luxury new additions hitting our showrooms, the gorgeous, all-new Aston Martin Vantage model that's straight off the silver screen, and the elegant and athletic Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Coupé. Then, a pick of the headlines in the auto world: Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint in Malaysia, and the announcement of the brand new bespoke Automobili Pininfarina Battista. 

Next, it's undeniable that the influx of Chinese brands entering local markets have been shaking up the automotive scene, but it's time for pickup trucks to get the same treatment. Daniel gives us the run of the situation.

Finally, Daniel gives us a taste of what it felt like behind the wheel of the Peugeot 408 GT. Tune in to hear his review of the beautiful, new age Peugeot that conjures comparisons to a Lamborghini Urus.

Image credit: Peugeot

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This week, Daniel is back from China to regale us with the latest from the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. But first, some news from the auto world.

We get a peek at the newest cars hitting our roads: the Peugeot 408 that inspires comparisons to a Lamborghini in Malaysia and Kia's all-new big, bold, beautiful EV9. Next, switching over to two wheels, the all new lighter, more powerful Harley-Davidson Street Glide that's the size of a car, and the Triumph's new T-series roadster, the Speed 400, the UK-owned manufacturer's newest addition to their modern classic lineup. Finally, some good news for anyone vying for a Tesla: The EV leader has dropped their prices again in response to the electric car price war.

Then, Daniel shares with us everything that caught his eye at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. Starting things off with the cars we'll be seeing on our roads soon - from the XPENG G6 SUV, an SUV to rival the Tesla, coming soon to Malaysia under Bermaz Auto, to Chinese automaker Leapmotor's C10 EV SUV that looks like a Porsche Cayenne from Stellantis Malaysia, and the new rugged SUV sub-brand from Chery, the iCAR. Then, we round things up with some EVs from the Auto Show that are possibly coming to Malaysia: the Mazda EZ-6, Yuanhang's sports car, the Y7, and Honda's e:NP2. All this and more on Cruise Control.

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Our Cruise Control trio returns this week bearing news, views and reviews of the local and regional automotive market.

First, we look at the Jaecoo J7, China's long-awaited luxury off-roader SUV, currently available in our local markets, then turn to electronics manufacturer Xiaomi, which debuted the SU7 this month, an all-electric sedan that's unfortunately already plagued with accounts of crashes and delays. We find out why we probably won't be seeing the award-winning Geely Yinhe E8 as a rebadged Proton, and dive into Alfa Romeo's first ever EV: the Milano. Finally, the launch of the iCar V23, a small compact SUV from Chery-Smartmi, a joint venture between the carmaker and a Xiaomi subsidiary.

From new releases to viral news, we investigate the troubling story of the Chery Omoda 5's failing brakes after a video of a Malaysian woman's experience with the car on our highways made its rounds on social media. And of course, sightings of the Tesla Cybertruck have already sparked stories of use and abuse in the name of online clout before it has even rolled into local showrooms.

To round up the show, in our used car review this week, we polish off and shine a spotlight on the Alfa Romeo 147 Manual as Daniel shares why you might want to take a second look at the hatchback.

Image credit: The TMPGS Journal

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This week on Cruise Control, we're talking car launches, a shocking MotoGP deal, and a gorgeous brand new Ferrari.

First up, we discuss Chinese manufacturers GAC Motors, the company behind the love-it-or-hate-it GAC EMZOOM, who have announced their partnership with CKD to assemble their vehicles in Malaysia. Then, we look at the new kid on our block, MG, whose award-winning MG4 is making a big splash as it finally enters our markets and is set to intensify the Chinese EV price war. Next, it's all about the Kia EV5 hitting our showrooms, before we round up with a lament as Volvo has announced that they've manufactured their last diesel powered XC90 in their commitment to going fully electric by 2025.

Then, Daniel brings news that might raise eyebrows of motorsports fans: F1 owners Liberty Media are nearing a $4 billion deal to buy MotoGP. We ponder what the move might mean, the impact it'll have on ticket prices, and whether we'll be seeing MotoGP get the F1 treatment. 

Finally, we hear of Daniel's escapades with the brand new Ferrari Roma Spider when he took it for a spin on the roads of Penang and through a Bazar Ramadhan, before he dives into his review of the new classic from the Italian carmaker.

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This week on Cruise Control, Ali and Daniel take us through the latest in the automotive world.

First up, we get the gears going with news of the latest car launches in Malaysia: from the surprising Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and Isuzu Motors' recently revealed electric 1-ton D-Max pickup truck, to the brand new Audi Q6 e-tron and a first look at BMW's all-electric offering, the Neue Klasse X concept SUV. We also find out when we can expect to see them in our showrooms so we can test drive them for ourselves.

Next, we shift gears as we discuss the recently announced Online Motor Vehicles De-Registration System (e-Dereg), which JPJ hopes will tackle the age-old issue of abandoned cars that populate housing areas. For anyone guilty of leaving a car idle for years, Daniel has one piece of advice: Sell the car.

Finally, we get a peek at the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV. What does the latest addition to the Mercedes EQ family bring to the table as it joins the growing lineup of SUVs on the market? Tune in to hear Daniel's thoughts on the car!

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Cruise Control returns with Rich and Daniel this week previewing some exciting new entries into the local market, mainly from China. It's not long until we see brands like Jetour, GAC and Leapmotor grace Malaysian roads, the new players are keen to offer local car buyers alternatives to what's currently available in the market. 

Our discussion this week is an interesting one; pitting an EV with a hybrid compact crossover. Both are around the same price, we consider its multi purpose, reliability, and overall appeal. We close off the show with Daniel's glowing review of the latest generation of the Range Rover Sport. 

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Cruise Control returns this week with exciting news on a brand new Maserati, and possibly Malaysia's first EV!

Naza Italia announced the Maserati Gran Turismo, a high performance sports car that is also great for long distance travels. On a sombre note, we got word that iconic tire company Goodyear will be closing down their factory in Shah Alam, which had been in operation since 1972.

The big news this week is Daniel's commentary on the prospects of a Perodua EV, based on Sime Darby's recent acquisition of the company's shares. Our conversation also veered into the EV price wars that have been brewing in our local markets, noting how price-sensitive this segment can be. With more Chinese EV cars entering our markets, perhaps an electric Myvi can soothe the desires of working class Malaysians? Only time will tell. 

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Cruise Control zooms in again with news of car launches involving Mercedes, BYD and surprise, surprise, MG! MG returns to our shores with an EV in the form of MG4. This sleek car gains the attention of Daniel Fernandez and we end up comparing this car to another stellar release from Build Your Dreams, the BYD Seal.

It's more news in the second part of the show, as the Volvo C4 Recharge received an update, while Triumph releases their latest Scrambler models, the Scrambler 400 X and the Scrambler Speed S, which are priced reasonably well.

Last but not least, Daniel shares his thoughts on BMW's newest EV, the i5 Electric Sedan. Does the car live up to the brand's reputation and legacy? Tune in to find out!

Photo credit: BMW

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