Proton will soon begin manufacturing the GEP3 (Global Engine Petrol 3) 1.5 litre turbocharged engines used in the X50 as well as the export version of the X70 (to Pakistan), according to Sapura Industrial’s 2021 […]
Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 launched in Malaysia – from RM242k; 1.5L 3-cylinder PHEV; 262 PS, 44 km EV range
25 February 2021 11:38 am / 32 comments
Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) today launched the Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 R-Design, which is the plug-in hybrid variant of the brand’s compact SUV. It joins the existing XC40 T5 AWD R-Design that arrived much earlier as well as other Volvo PHEVs (XC60, XC90, S60 and S90), meaning the entire local line-up is now electrified.
As with every Volvo sold here, the newcomer is also a locally-assembled (CKD) model, specifically at Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia’s facility in Shah Alam. In terms of pricing, the XC40 Recharge T5 R-Design goes for
31 December 2020 12:05 pm / 0 comments
Geely has released teaser images of its third CMA-based model, which will take the form of an SUV. Production of the future model, which is known internally as the KX11, is said to begin in the third quarter of 2021.
The CMA platform, otherwise known as the Compact Modular Architecture, was jointly developed by Volvo and Geely under China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT). It currently underpins other Geely models like Xingyue and Xingrui, as well as five Lynk & Co cars, the Volvo XC40 and Polestar 2.
Reports from China indicate the KX11 will be positioned close to Geely’s largest SUV, the Haoyue, with a similar length of around 4.8 metres and a wheelbase spanning 2.8 metres. Based on these figures, expect three rows of seats and a capacity for up to seven passengers.
Connected car firm opens Euro HQ in Sweden December 29, 2020 // By Nick Flaherty
Connected car technology developer Ecarx is setting up a headquarters and product development centre in Sweden.
Ecarx is a standalone connected car subsidiary of Chinese car maker Geely, which also owns Volvo, Proton, Polestar and Lotus Cars.
The EU HQ at Uni3, Geely’s new campus for innovation in Gothenburg, aims to take advantage of European skills to build experienced R&D and management teams. These will use Ecarx vehicle chipsets and intelligent cockpit technology with global partners to internationalise the ECARX Automotive Service (EAS). The technology will include a connected car localisation service as well as working with the upcoming Lynk & Co car brand and other brands under the Geely Holding Group.
16 December 2020 11:50 am / 72 comments
When the Proton X50 was launched in October this year, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the SUV’s use of a timing belt instead of a timing chain for its 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which is offered in two versions: with port and direct fuel injection.
While some were unfazed by the idea of a timing belt, others lamented its usage, claiming it to be an “old” piece of technology. However, that’s not the case at all, says Håkan Sandquist, director of powertrain strategy at China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT).
During a recent group interview, Sandquist explained that a lot of validation work was carried out to ensure the reliability and performance of the three-cylinder engines. This includes tests at temperatures ranging from -40 to 40 degrees Celsius, altitudes of up to 4,000 metres and mileage tests of millions of kilometres.