Alongside the AMG models that were introduced, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also unveiled the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe is a plug-in hybrid model that emphasises both luxury and practicality. The GLC 350 e offers an impressive all-electric range of over 100km (WLTP) and supports speeds up to 140km/h on electric power alone, making it a versatile choice for urban and longer-distance driving.

Design and Exterior Features

The GLC Coupe’s sporty silhouette is complemented by an AMG Line exterior, highlighted with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs. Polished aluminium roof rails enhance its premium profile, while the Digital Light technology with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus ensures high visibility across various driving conditions.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the GLC Coupé continues the AMG Line’s sporty aesthetic, with Artico man-made leather upholstery crafted to play with layered surfaces for a premium feel. The instrument panel and beltlines feature Artico leather in a nappa look, paired with a metal structure trim element. Adding to the luxury is a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather and a high-quality Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Safety and Assistance Features

Equipped with the Driving Assistance Plus package, the GLC 350 e offers Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, delivering enhanced safety and driver support.

This new GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe is priced at RM425,888.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced a few new AMG models to their lineup here which are the Mercedes-AMG G63, AMG SL 63 4MATIC+, AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe and the AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe.

G63 AMG

The all-new Mercedes-AMG G63 made waves when it was introduced to the world earlier this year. It marks the continuation of an icon and is now powered by the tried-and-tested AMG 4.0-litre V8 Bi-Turbo engine. It puts out 585hp and 850Nm of torque.

One of the key new features is the combination of the 48-volt technology and an integrated starter generator (ISG). This lets the new G63 put out an additional 20hp and 200Nm for a short burst.

In terms of performance, the AMG G63 accelerates to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds as the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission providing ultra quick shifts, while top speed is rated at 220km/h. The top speed goes up to 240km/h with the optional AMG Performance Package.

All that bulk is kept in check with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic roll stabilisation and adaptive adjustable damping.

In terms of design, the new G63 is distinguished by the new AMG-specific radiator shell and large air inlet grille in the front bumper. The AMG Night Package on the other hand adds sporty, expressive design elements in black or dark chrome.

Red-painted AMG brake callipers with perforated brake discs are a silent hint at what the car is capable of while 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels round off the exterior.

For the interior, the Superior Line interior transforms the inside into a luxurious lounge. Highlights include a sliding sunroof, instrument panel in nappa leather, diamond design elements and active multi-contour seats including massage seats and seat climate control which are part of the Energizing Package. The interior is further enhanced with AMG Carbon-Fibre and Nappa leather upholstery.

Entertainment is provided by the Burmester 3D surround sound system which provides an immersive experience through the Dolby Atmos feature. Entertainment and other features such as navigation can be accessed through the 12.3-inch infotainment system that offers the MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation which superimposes graphic navigation and traffic information on line imagine on the infotainment screen.

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 is priced from RM1,948,888 without insurance and individualisation.

HYUNDAI’S recent acknowledgement of the challenges with touchscreens in vehicles highlights a growing trend that some are calling the “Tesla Effect.” Following in Tesla’s footsteps, many automakers have phased out traditional physical controls for digital interfaces on touchscreens, aiming to create sleek, tech-centric cabins. However, Hyundai has found that American buyers aren’t entirely on board with the touchscreen-only setup.

According to HDNA Vice President Ha Hak-soo, Hyundai’s experience with touchscreen-based controls revealed that drivers often feel frustrated when trying to quickly adjust settings on the go, especially when physical dials or buttons could have made adjustments more straightforward. Hyundai’s internal testing with focus groups found that drivers found it stressful to control certain functions on a touchscreen when needing immediate responsiveness.

Touchscreens undoubtedly allow designers more flexibility to achieve minimalist interiors and offer a greater range of functions than physical controls alone. But when it comes to real-world driving, bumping along a rough road can make it challenging to find and tap digital controls accurately. A simple adjustment that could once be handled by feel now demands more focus, taking the driver’s attention off the road.

In response, Hyundai has started reintroducing physical controls on some models, including the facelifted Ioniq 5. While Hyundai’s North American team believes driver attitudes might shift once advanced driver-assistance systems become more common, allowing drivers to focus less on the road, for now, it seems Hyundai is listening to the call for a balance between digital and physical controls.

SAIC MOTOR MALAYSIA recently celebrated a major milestone for the MG5 sedan at the MG5 Car Delivery Event at MG Motor Glenmarie (Mega Galeri Sdn Bhd), where over 20 new owners gathered to receive their cars. The event, attended by SAIC Motor Malaysia’s management, fostered a strong community atmosphere, uniting MG fans and showcasing the brand’s commitment to its customers.

The success of the MG5 is largely due to efficient coordination among 18 strategically placed MG Motor Authorized Dealerships, allowing prompt vehicle deliveries across Malaysia. This dealer network is key to SAIC Motor Malaysia’s mission to meet the demands of Malaysia’s style-conscious market.

Lee Wen Hsiang, Chief Operating Officer of SAIC Motor Malaysia, noted, “The MG5 has truly resonated with a segment of buyers who prioritise style and individuality. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone alongside our customers.” He highlighted that these events strengthen connections with customers, offering valuable feedback that helps improve service and build a vibrant MG community.

The MG5 stands out as the largest sedan in its class, with a sporty design, spacious interior, and impressive warranties. Owners enjoy a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty and a best-in-segment 7-year Unlimited Mileage Powertrain Warranty. Celebrating MG’s 100th anniversary, SAIC is also offering an RM7,000 introductory rebate, bringing the price to RM86,900, making it an attractive option for new buyers.

BENTLEY is accelerating toward its electric future, building on a path that began with the introduction of the Bentayga Hybrid in 2018. With plug-in hybrid versions of the Continental GT and Flying Spur now available, the luxury automaker has officially announced plans for its first fully electric vehicle (EV), set to debut in 2026.

This new EV will be a luxury urban crossover SUV, described by Bentley’s new CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, as “compact” — a term that is relative in Bentley’s world. Measuring under 5003mm in length, it is expected to be similar in size to the Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7 and will likely share its platform with the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne EV.

While Bentley has withheld technical details, Walliser emphasised that the upcoming model will prioritise usable range and charging speed to meet the demands of modern luxury car buyers. Addressing concerns about the transition to electric power, he assured, “We don’t want to make just any electric car; we want to make a Bentley.” The brand remains committed to preserving the unique qualities that define a Bentley, even without the traditional engine sound. Bentley board member Matthias Rabe hinted at innovative solutions to replicate the emotional experience of a combustion engine without merely copying conventional engine notes.

Bentley’s electrification strategy, initially called Beyond 100, has been rebranded as Beyond 100 Plus, reflecting an adjusted timeline for full carbon neutrality, extended from 2030 to 2035. The shift is driven by both regulatory pressures and growing customer interest, though Walliser acknowledged that the transition will vary across different markets.

This announcement underscores Bentley’s ambition to balance modern sustainability with its storied heritage of opulence and performance. As the brand embraces its electric transformation, it aims to redefine luxury mobility for the next generation.

THE tragic crash of a Tesla Model Y in Toronto in October has raised serious concerns about the accessibility and usability of the car’s electronic door handles during emergencies. The fiery accident claimed the lives of four individuals: Neelraj Gohil (25), his sister Ketaba Gohil (29), Jay Sisodiya, and Digvijay Patel, leaving a sole survivor, a woman in her 20s.

The woman’s escape was made possible by Rick Harper, a Canada Post employee, who heroically smashed the car’s window with a metal pole. Harper described the survivor as “desperate to get out,” but unable to open the car’s doors from inside. Tesla vehicles rely on an electronic button to open doors rather than traditional handles, and if the car’s power system fails in a crash, the doors may become inoperable.

Concerns About Tesla’s Safety Design

While Tesla promotes a “safety-first design” and manual override mechanisms for emergencies, these features are not widely known or intuitive. The manual override involves removing a door panel and pulling a hidden cable — a process that could be difficult or impossible in the chaos and panic of a serious accident.

Safety experts and crash investigators have raised concerns that victims may not be aware of the override feature or may lack the presence of mind to locate and use it under duress.

The Accident

The Tesla reportedly crashed into a guardrail at high speed along Lake Shore Boulevard East. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but the crash’s aftermath has drawn attention to Tesla’s safety protocols, particularly in situations involving power failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has several ongoing investigations into the Tesla Model Y, ranging from “unexpected brake activation” to “sudden unintended acceleration.”

A Heroic Rescue Effort

Harper’s quick action saved the survivor, but he was unaware that others were trapped inside due to the dense smoke. “I didn’t know there were other people in there. The smoke was so thick,” he said. It remains unclear if the other passengers also struggled to open the doors.

Broader Implications

This tragedy underscores the need for automakers to improve safety features in EVs, especially during power failures. Intuitive and easily accessible escape mechanisms are critical, and greater public awareness of emergency procedures is vital.

As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash, this incident highlights the balance that must be struck between advanced technology and real-world practicality in automotive safety.

MALAYSIAN carmaker Proton has taken a significant step toward international expansion with the inauguration of a new completely knocked-down (CKD) plant to assemble the Proton Saga in Cairo, Egypt. The ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, during his official visit to the country.

Prominent figures present at the event included H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, and YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Egyptian and Malaysian officials, including H.E. Mr Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr, Ambassador of Egypt to Malaysia, also participated alongside business leaders from both nations.

Strategic Investment in Al Oula Industrial Park

The new CKD facility is located in the Al Oula Industrial Park, Giza, and is operated by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF)—a joint venture between Ezz Elarab and Elsewedy Capital Holding. The plant represents an investment of USD35 million and has a production capacity of 20,000 units per shift. Once fully operational, it is expected to employ up to 400 people.

Proton was represented at the inauguration by Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman, and Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO. From ESAF, Hisham Ezz Elarab, Chairman, and Ahmed Elsewedy, Board Member, attended the event.

A Milestone in Bilateral Cooperation

During his speech, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted Proton as a source of national pride and emphasised the importance of partnerships like ESAF in fostering industrial advancement. He urged Proton to leverage local facilities to strengthen its operations in the region.

The factory inauguration comes shortly after the first shipment of CKD packs was sent to Egypt on 9 September 2024. The production of left-hand drive Proton Saga models is set to begin in December 2024, with an initial production target of 1,400 units for 2024. This is projected to increase to 5,000 units in 2025, with a total of 16,000 CKD packs expected to be exported by the end of 2026.

Expanding Beyond Egypt

The vehicles assembled in Egypt will not only cater to the domestic market but also be exported to Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa and Middle Eastern markets. These efforts are part of Proton’s strategy to strengthen its presence in emerging markets where car ownership is on the rise.

The total value of exports from this initiative is estimated at RM570 million, excluding an additional RM20 million projected from parts exports.

Unlocking Global Potential

Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar remarked that Proton, as Malaysia’s leading vehicle exporter, currently sees exports accounting for 3% of total sales volume. However, the company aims to unlock untapped potential in international markets.

“Egypt is central to our plans for the region. Moving forward, we will focus on partnerships like ESAF to maximize the sales potential for Proton vehicles in regions where car ownership is still growing,” he said.

Future Growth Prospects

The establishment of the Cairo CKD facility marks a pivotal moment in Proton’s international expansion. With plans to explore broader markets and collaborate with strategic partners, the company is poised to enhance Malaysia’s automotive footprint on the global stage.

THE Malaysian government has set an ambitious target for electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 20% of annual new vehicle sales by 2030, encompassing both passenger and commercial categories. As of September 2024, EV sales have reached 5.11% of the total annual volume, a notable increase from 4.12% recorded for the entirety of 2023.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reported that the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has grown significantly in recent years. Total BEV sales stood at 15,876 units in 2024 and 13,513 units in 2023, a sharp rise compared to 3,146 units sold in 2020.

Efforts to Build a Strong EV Ecosystem

MITI credited the improved numbers to the collaborative efforts between government ministries, agencies, and industry players. Before 2018, the EV market in Malaysia was minimal, with limited adoption and infrastructure.

To support the sector’s growth, the government has rolled out a series of initiatives, including:

- Tax exemptions for imported completely built-up (CBU) EVs until the end of 2025.

- Full exemptions on import duty, excise, and sales tax for locally assembled EVs until December 2027.

- A commitment to establish 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide by 2025.

- Full tax relief for BEVs from 2022 to 2025.

Engaging Stakeholders for Infrastructure Expansion

To accelerate EV infrastructure development, MITI has engaged with various stakeholders, including:

- Highway concessionaires

- Hypermarket chains

- The Shopping Complex Management Association

- The Hotel Association and Hotel Owners Association of Malaysia

These sessions aim to encourage the deployment of public EV charging services at key locations such as highways, shopping malls, and hotels to meet the growing needs of EV users.

Five-Year Strategy for EV Growth

In response to a question from Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan, MITI outlined its strategy for EV adoption over the next five years. This includes:

- Strengthening the EV industry ecosystem through public and private sector collaboration.

- Increasing public awareness and accessibility to EVs.

- Expanding EV charging infrastructure to meet the 2025 target of 10,000 public charging points.

MITI expressed optimism about meeting its targets, citing the combined efforts of government initiatives and industry commitment. “With continuous efforts at various levels and support from industry players, the number of public EV charging stations will increase significantly and help achieve the desired goals by 2025,” the ministry stated.

Looking Ahead

As Malaysia pushes toward its 20% EV sales target by 2030, the government’s efforts to incentivize EV adoption and develop the necessary infrastructure are expected to drive significant progress. With rising sales and increasing public acceptance, the country is steadily building a robust foundation for its EV future.

Can't really say, Justin, without knowing how the Independent manages its content and social media presence. I have had two very interesting private conversations with a web content manager and a PR/social media consultant neither of whom, I hasten to add, work for The Independent. Both said that pressure is put on them to get as many "shares" and click throughs as possible. One confirmed that some of their clients clearly state in the commissioning briefs that titles are changed for social media to increase the click rate and that their performance is assessed and payments adjusted accordingly.

But the conclusion must be that The Independent, and not Facebook, is in the wrong here. (Although I suppose there could / should be an FB algorithm to prioritise the real title?)

I don't think we can blame Facebook for the misuse of the tags. They provide the technology and alternative social media titles usually do describe at least part of the original content, and the target audience maybe different compared with that for a website audience. In this case it has to be the Independent that is ultimately responsible, even if the title was written by a freelancer or contractor who, I presume, are paid by the Independent. It is clearly in the source code of the page on the Independent website, therefore they are responsible for it.

[…] has written a telling piece on her blog  with the example of this  newspaper article From Karen: How to write totally misleading headlines for social media :  Or how to seriously annoy intelligent people by telling deliberate […]

[…] occurred to me – but Karen Blakeman has posted this advice – SEASONAL OPENING TIMES – NEVER TRUST GOOGLE’S ANSWERS (OR BING’S) (Dec 29) – information about open and closed times of shops might not be right – always […]

I think Google is confused because most of the words are stop words. (Not sure about "internet" - always thought it was but not on the lists I just looked at which are mostly old, but probably still valid to an extent). Google has coded for known phrases with stop words e.g. "to be or not to be" but this search was not that sort of phrase. So I wonder if what is happening is that Google is confused as it doesn't know what words to actually include and which ones to ignore in its algorithm. You can test this by missing out words. I tried ["this is the best" * "on the internet"] and got 15 results. "this is the " * "on the internet" gave 19 results "this is the best" * "on the" gave 14 results as did "this is the best * on the" "this is the * on the" gave 40 results ["is the * on the" internet] gave 54 results ["is the * on the" planet] gave a number of 588m BUT only 111 were shown (although there was the option to see the rest!) Planet alone gave 754m results so around 30% more. [* "the planet"] gave 460m - with several pages of results. ["the best * the planet"] gave 206m with several result pages BUT ["is the best * the planet"] went down to 89 and ["this is the best * the planet"] gave only 13 results. So if I'm right, and it's stop words, it's an extra thing to include in search training.

Best solution: learn Dutch. This is the best * on the internet only results in 3 hits on google.nl, but when I repeat the search in Dutch (dit is de beste * op het internet) I get 158.000.000 results. Lucky me/gelukkige ik!

[…] Update vom 10.2.2017, Karen Blakeman’s Blog: New Creative Commons image search – back to the drawing board I’m afraid […]

How does this compare to using the "site:No" syntax to force Google to only return result from .No domains. https://www.google.co.uk/search?num=100&ei=oLL1WeX8NYPtaKS9k4AP&btnG=Search&q=site%3Ano+brexit

Yes, David, I really should have included that in the possible strategies. Thanks for reminding me. It works well for this particular example (Norway) and gives good but slightly different results and will, of course, miss Norwegian sites that are registered as .com or other international domains. The amount of overlap (or lack of it) will vary depending on the country.

Would adding the parameter &gl=no to the result URL, still do the job?

Doesn't work here, Eric :-(

[…] Se også Karen Blakeman’s Bloginnlegg. […]

A couple of years ago (I think just after the initial acquisition and when Flickr was being expanded) they offered an "automatic uploader" that scoured your computer and uploaded all images automatically. This sounded great - until I realised you had no control on what was uploaded. My Flickr account has so much junk in it that it would be really hard to clear out - as I have my photos PLUS images I've purchased PLUS images I've downloaded and even scans and stuff like that which I'd never wanted uploaded. These aren't even in albums - so I can't delete them except one-by-one. Fortunately I have my privacy settings set - but not everybody did, and Flickr is a great source for competitive intelligence as a result. Some of the stuff you can find is in the category of "how stupid can you get" (and is a real lesson in the importance of privacy settings). I found a table for a major manufacturer giving volume sales per month 2016 vs. volume sales per month 2015 and YTD value sales. When I was doing the work it was actually current data - invaluable to my client as it was the sort of stuff you cannot ever expect to find but proves there is such as thing as serendipity.

I do recall some colleagues and friends saying that one of the mobile apps that did exactly that by default. Thankfully I have never used any of automatic uploaders. All photos are added manually one by one. Not exactly high tech but a lot safer.

Earnings of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. rose by nearly a fifth in the nine months ending September on the back of strong revenue growth across its businesses.

Higher system-wide sales and contributions of recently acquired South Korean value coffee brand boosted earnings of Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. by nearly a quarter in the nine months ending September.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines sustained a 55-percent drop in its profit in the nine months to September, dragged by declining passenger revenues and spiking aviation costs.

City of Dreams Manila, part of the Melco Resorts and Entertainment Group, has taken the initiative to promote and observe responsible gaming practices in the Philippines.

Member savings collections of the Home Development Mutual Fund, commonly known as Pag-IBIG, reached almost P100 billion as of the third quarter, allowing the agency to finance the higher demand for home loans.

Earnings of Cosco Capital Inc., the listed retail holding firm of tycoon Lucio Co, increased by 10 percent in the nine months ending September on the back of strong operating performance across all its business segments.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has launched an investigation into G-Xchange Inc., the operator of GCash, following numerous complaints from users reporting unauthorized deductions on their e-wallet accounts.

The Keepers Holdings Inc. of tycoon Lucio Co is gobbling up a local beer importer, further boosting the company’s extensive portfolio.

Digital lender Maya Bank, in partnership with Landers Superstore, has issued over 50,000 credit cards in just three months, making it one of the fastest growing credit cards in the country.

The Philippines is pursuing a partnership with Norway to unlock the potential of natural gas in sectors beyond power generation, including logistics and aviation.

Lower profits in its sugar and renewables business weighed down the performance of Gokongwei-led food and beverage firm Universal Robina Corp. in the nine months ending September.

The Department of Trade and Industry probe into the rising influx of imported cement is seen as essential for strengthening the struggling local cement industry that has faced increasing competition from imports.

Earnings of Philippine banks rose by 6.4 percent to P290 billion from January to September compared to last year’s P273 billion, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is finalizing a regulatory framework to ensure the efficiency of clearing switch operations within the national payment system, particularly the automated clearing houses under the National Retail Payment System.

The Bureau of Customs saw its collections rise to P90 billion in October as it ramped up proper tax verification on various imported goods.

Philippine Airlines posted a Q3 net income of P789 million, down 82% y/y from its Q3/23 net income of P4,278 million, and down 70% q/q from its Q2/24 net income of P2,590 million.

Jollibee posted a Q3 net income of P2.98 billion, up 18% y/y from its Q3/23 net income of P2.53 billion, and down 6% q/q from its Q2/24 net income of P3.19 billion.

The Keepers is planning to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Booze On-Line Inc (BOLI).

Asia-Pacific will require 19,500 new aircraft by 2043, Airbus announced on Wednesday, November 13 at a regional aviation summit.

Mental health problems in the country are on the rise.

I looked up the definitions of “spectator, participant and admirer.” In the upshot of two races I had witnessed here in New York, I’m trying to make sense of how I stand and feel about these recent events.

The concept of a legitimate livelihood deserves reexamination, especially when it comes to the 17 million informal workers who make up nearly a quarter of our national workforce

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy spent six months in hiding with no report that he ever required hospital confinement for any affliction. But perhaps arrest and detention without bail, in accommodations that a man wealthy enough to tool around in a private jet may not be used to, can trigger a “life-threatening” affliction.

This is the cost of following orders, whether blindly or knowingly, in the Philippine National Police: 214 cops faced 352 criminal charges, with 20 still in detention, for carrying out the war on drugs during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Another 195 cops were sacked while 398 face possible dismissal from the PNP over administrative cases.

What were some DOTr advisers thinking when they recommended to Secretary Jimmy Bautista that the EDSA Bus Lane be redesigned to counterflow so that non-buses will stop entering the lane? If the President of the Philippines can finally outlaw POGO in the Philippines by simply signing a piece of legislation, why can’t the DOTr, the MMDA, the LTO or the DPWH declare that the BUS LANE IS FOR BUSES ONLY!

It is often said that China is the world’s foremost peddler of fake news and distorted truths. The recent incident in the Taiwan Strait exemplifies this assertion.

One hundred twenty-two children – aged 1 to 17 – were killed in the first half alone of Rodrigo Duterte’s six-year bloody drug war.