industry

A peek under the hood of the global automotive industry.

Who Powers This RMB 300,000-Class Large Seven-Seat REEV? A Look at the Key Suppliers Behind the Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max
On the evening of July 30, Xiaomi Auto finally revealed its long-anticipated extended-range electric vehicle (REEV) strategy. The SkyNomad N90 Max, with a pre-sale price of RMB 299,900, is positioned as a large seven-seat flagship extended-range SUV. This is not only the first production model built on Xiaomi's Kunlun technology architecture but also Xiaomi's entry into a new battleground beyond its SU7 and YU7 pure electric lineup.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
The Engine That Thinks It's at Le Mans
A Room in Dearborn, a Track in France Every time we fire up our dyno cell in Dearborn, the room holds its breath. Then the engine catches, the numbers climb, and for a few minutes, we're not in Michigan anymore. We're at Le Mans.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
BMW Faces Backlash Over Forced Spider-Man Dashboard Ads in Luxury Vehicles
BMW is facing significant consumer backlash after launching a global cross-promotion for Spider-Man: Brand New Day that displays movie advertisements directly on vehicle dashboards. Beginning July 27 and running through August 10 in over 70 countries, the campaign shows a Spider-Man-themed banner upon vehicle startup. When tapped, it triggers what BMW describes as a “festive animation” featuring synchronized audio, ambient lighting, and footage of Spider-Man interacting with the BMW iX3 Flow—a special e-ink concept vehicle developed in collaboration with Sony and Marvel. While framed as a celebratory brand partnership, many owners view it as an unwelcome intrusion into a space they paid a premium to keep ad-free.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Mercedes-Benz: The Inventor of the Automobile and Master of Performance. AI-Generated.
Few automotive brands carry the same level of prestige, engineering excellence, and historical significance as Mercedes-Benz . Whether it’s defining the luxury sedan segment, pioneering cutting-edge safety technology, or dominating Formula 1, Mercedes has consistently set the standard in the automotive world. But what makes the Three-Pointed Star so iconic? Let’s take a deep dive into its history, innovations, and cultural impact.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Rolls-Royce: The Pinnacle of Bespoke Luxury and Timeless Excellence
Some car brands chase speed. Others strive for technological innovation or mass-market appeal. Rolls-Royce, however, has always pursued something different: perfection . For over a century, this British marque has represented the absolute pinnacle of luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity, producing vehicles that are less about getting from point A to point B and more about making an undeniable statement.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
A $50 Million Bet on the Future: PPG's Delaware Plant Expansion Reflects the Shifting Landscape of Automotive Coatings
PPG's Delaware, Ohio, plant dates to 1965, a much different era for industrial coatings production with huge batch production and the use of solvents that today are considered highly toxic. The manufacturing facility has seen incremental upgrades over the years, but now the paint and coatings company plans to add 100,000 square feet and 100 jobs to the existing 400,000-square-foot, 450-person worksite. Construction is expected to be complete by early 2028.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Malaysia Trials "Minimum Advisory Speed" on Highways to Combat Lane Hogging and Improve Flow
Starting August 1 , motorists traveling on selected stretches of Malaysian highways will notice a new type of signage: minimum advisory speed limits . Under the banner Had Laju Nasihat Minimum , the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), in collaboration with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), PLUS Malaysia Berhad, and SKVE, has launched a proof-of-concept (POC) trial designed to tackle one of the most persistent causes of highway congestion and accidents: lane hogging.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Eighth-Generation Lexus ES Debuts in Indonesia with Hybrid and All-Electric Variants
The star of Lexus’ booth at the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026 is undoubtedly the all-new eighth-generation Lexus ES . Codenamed the XZ20, the latest iteration of Lexus’ best-selling executive sedan has arrived with a bold new design philosophy dubbed “Clean Tech × Elegance” and, for the first time, an all-electric powertrain option.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Perodua Slashes Axia Prices by Up to RM4,700 in Major Cost-Efficiency Move
In a significant move aimed at providing tangible relief to car buyers amid challenging economic conditions, Perodua has announced a comprehensive price reduction for its best-selling model, the Axia . Effective from today, August 3 , the price of the Axia has been lowered by up to RM4,700 , depending on the variant. The national automaker stated that this revision applies across the entire Axia model range and reflects continued improvements in the company’s operational efficiency, reaffirming its commitment to passing tangible value on to its customers.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Malaysia Forgoes RM3.3 Billion in EV Tax Revenue Amid Charging Infrastructure Shortfalls
In a candid revelation during the Proton eMas 7 PHEV CKD line-off ceremony on Friday, Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani disclosed that the Malaysian government forfeited approximately RM3.3 billion in tax revenue over the past four years due to the fully-imported (CBU) electric vehicle (EV) tax exemption policy.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Vespa Unveils Updated 180cc Lineup in Malaysia: Primavera S, Sprint S, and Sprint Tech Launch at Art of Speed 2026
In a vibrant display of Italian design and engineering prowess, Vespa Malaysia has officially launched its updated 180cc scooter lineup at the prestigious 2026 Art of Speed event. The launch introduces three distinct models to the local market: the elegant Vespa Primavera S 180 , the sporty Vespa Sprint S 180 , and the technologically advanced flagship Vespa Sprint Tech 180 . This latest release marks a significant evolution for the brand’s popular mid-displacement range, blending the timeless aesthetic that has defined Vespa for eight decades with modern mechanical refinements and digital conveniences tailored for the contemporary urban rider.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel
Honda Civic e:HEV RS Debuts in Indonesia with ‘S+ Shift’ Simulated Gearbox
JAKARTA, Indonesia, At the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Honda has unveiled more than just its futuristic Super-One concept. The Japanese automaker is also showcasing an updated Civic e: HEV RS , featuring a notable technological addition that promises to make the hybrid driving experience more engaging: the S+ Shift system.
By Mark Lim 3 months ago in Wheel