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Hyundai Motor Group is deploying its HCloud platform within Equinix data centers globally to enhance the customer experience and service quality for its over 10 million connected car service subscribers. HCloud, the Group’s proprietary cloud platform, was developed to meet the growing demand for real-time data processing, seamless connectivity, and scalable infrastructure driven by advancements in connected and autonomous vehicles. By leveraging Equinix IBX data centers and Equinix Fabric, HCloud interconnects with multiple public cloud providers, including AWS. This hybrid multicloud architecture accelerates the global rollout of connected car services while ensuring reliable connectivity, consistent service coverage, and reduced latency. Hyundai Motor Group, comprising Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, has over 10 million connected car service subscribers since its launch in 2003 and aims to reach 20 million by 2026. The Group is investing significantly in the development and expansion of HCloud to deliver enhanced in-car services, including a personalized driving experience.

Toyota’s upgraded Corolla Cross will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2025, featuring the new GR Sport grade. The GR Sport, as the performance flagship, comes with AWD, a unique front bumper, 19-inch GR Sport alloy wheels, Sport drive mode, specially tuned suspension, and electric power steering. The exterior refresh includes a new mesh grille and revised LED headlights for GXL grades and above. New colours such as Massive Grey, Ink, Ash Slate, Shadow Platinum, and Feverish Red will be introduced, along with carry-over Glacier White and Frosted White. Select variants will offer a two-tone black roof. More details, including pricing and full specifications, will be announced closer to its Australian launch.

Mercedes-Benz has signed a new agreement with lidar supplier Luminar to jointly develop the next generation of lidar products. This collaboration marks a shift from Mercedes-Benz purchasing existing Luminar sensors to co-developing new ones. Luminar’s new Halo lidar sensor, which is smaller and more efficient, has secured its first deal. The partnership aims to integrate this technology into Mercedes-Benz vehicles for mass production. Previously, Mercedes-Benz planned to integrate Luminar’s Iris lidar around 2025, but this plan has been shelved in favor of the Halo lidar development agreement, with an expected launch in 2026. However, this deal does not guarantee a final supply agreement. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is working with multiple lidar suppliers, including Valeo, and has chosen Hesai Technology as its global supplier to reduce costs and ensure mass production capabilities.

At the 2025 Malaysia Autoshow, MINI unveiled the all-electric MINI John Cooper Works (JCW). Priced at RM218,888 for a 2-year warranty or RM225,188 for a 4-year warranty plus maintenance, this three-door electric MINI features a front-mounted electric motor with 258PS and 350Nm of torque, achieving 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h. It is equipped with a 54.2kWh battery offering a range of 371km. The vehicle supports up to 95kW DC fast charging and 11kW AC slow charging, with the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes using DC fast charging, or in 5 hours and 15 minutes using an 11kW AC home charger. The JCW version comes with distinctive red body decals, a red-painted roof and mirror caps, and red sporty interior elements. Standard features include full LED headlights and taillights, electric seats with memory and massage functions, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, an OLED center console screen, a Qi wireless charging pad, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Safety features include full-speed ACC, LCA, LDW, automatic parking assistance, a 360-degree camera system, and an automatic reverse assistance system.

At the 2025 Malaysia Autoshow, BMW Malaysia launched the facelifted BMW 330Li M Sport, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series. Priced at RM320,800 for a 2-year warranty, or RM347,200 for a 5-year warranty plus maintenance (with an additional year free if ordered before May 31), the facelift focuses on configuration upgrades while maintaining the same exterior and interior design. New features include full-speed adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree panoramic camera (viewable via the My BMW app), along with an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system with 16 speakers and 464 watts. The car is equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central multimedia screen running the latest BMW Operating System 8.5, with QuickSelect functionality and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a HUD display, Qi wireless charging, an M sport steering wheel, sports seats with memory function, Vernasca leather interior, and a Crafted Clarity crystal gear shifter and iDrive knob. Externally, three colors are available: Carbon Black, M Brooklyn Grey, and Arctic Race Blue. For the duration of the show, BMW Malaysia is offering a limited-time promotion: orders placed for selected BMW 3, 5, 7 Series and X models before May 31 will receive a free one-year BSI maintenance extension and car insurance subsidy, valued at RM5,000.

At the 2025 Malaysia Autoshow, Perodua unveiled its first electric vehicle, the eMO concept, as a preview of the production model set to launch in the fourth quarter of this year. The concept car, heavily covered, revealed limited details, mainly its front design, confirming it as a crossover SUV competing with the Proton eMAS 5 and BYD Dolphin. According to Perodua’s CEO, Zainal Abidin, the eMO is positioned as a “Small B” segment vehicle with a price cap of 100,000 Malaysian ringgit. The company may offer the vehicle with a battery leasing model to address battery aging and second-hand value concerns.