24/05/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY MAY 24, 2026

SHORTS

Perfect start Geely’s maiden FIA TCR outing ends in historic triumph

ANDROID AUTO GETS FRESH REDESIGN, YOUTUBE SUPPORT Google has announced a major refresh for Android Auto and vehicles with Google built-in, introducing a redesigned interface, new person alisation features and expanded app support including YouTube. The update comes as Google revealed there are now more than 250 million Android Auto compatible vehicles on the road worldwide. Android Auto’s new interface adopts Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, featuring updated animations, richer colours and improved personalisation. Users will also be able to cus tomise widgets for weather updates, favourite contacts and shortcuts, while Google Maps gains an edge-to-edge display layout compatible with various screen shapes, including Mini’s circular infotainment display. A key addition is YouTube support, allowing users to watch videos while parked, particularly useful for EV owners waiting during charging sessions. Video playback will automatically stop once the vehicle is shifted into gear, although audio will continue. Google also confirmed Dolby Atmos support for compatible apps and vehi cles, alongside refreshed interfaces for Spotify and YouTube Music. Gemini AI integration will enable users to ask vehicle-specific questions, such as explanations for dashboard warning lights or cargo space dimensions. Google Maps will further benefit from front-facing vehicle cameras, improving live lane guidance and navigation accuracy. Zoom support is also arriving for compatible systems, enabling users to join meetings directly from their vehicles. The updates are expected to roll out later this year, beginning with selected models from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Renault, Skoda and Volvo. JAC UNVEILS NEW N90 LIGHT-DUTY TRUCK JAC Auto (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has unveiled its all new JAC N90 light-duty truck at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo 2026 held at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC). The sixth-generation N90 enters the 7.5-tonne Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) segment, offering multiple wheelbase configurations ranging from 3,365 mm to 4,800 mm to suit various commer cial applications such as cargo transport, refrig erated units and construction operations. Powered by a Cummins B4.5 Euro V engine paired with an Eaton-Fuller ESO-6106A trans mission, the truck produces 160PS and 540Nm of torque. JAC said the powertrain delivers improved fuel efficiency, with an estimated 3-5% reduction in fuel consumption at highway speeds. The cabin comes equipped with an air-sus pension seat, adjustable armrest, 10.4-inch multi media touchscreen and LCD instrument cluster for enhanced driver comfort. Safety features include ABS, ASR, hill-start assist and electronic stability control (ESC). Priced from RM118,000 for the bare chassis, the N90 is available at authorised JAC dealer ships nationwide. It comes with a six-year or 300,000km warranty, alongside a complimen tary 10,000km free service programme. JAC International general manager Oscar Yu said the N90 reflects the company’s commit ment to delivering advanced and high-perform ance commercial vehicles through collaborations with global partners such as Cummins, Volkswagen and Huawei.

GEELY has won its first ever race in the top-tier FIA TCR World Tour and achieved the victory in just the first round in its first ever season. Chinese racing driver Ma Qinghua was the hotshoe behind the wheel of the Geely Preface TCR that took the chequered flag ahead of the field. Victory came in Race 2 of Round 1 of the 2026 TCR World Tour that was held at Italy’s Misano circuit. Running on the reverse grid format from Race 1 the day before, Ma started in third before diving into second at the first corner of Lap 1. He then took the lead, keeping the rest of the field behind to win the 15-lap race. The win was the cherry on top as Geely took third in Race 2, following its first ever podium in Race 1 the day before. Geely’s race programme is MARRYING heritage and modern mobility, BYD Malaysia and Sime Motors have opened the doors to the former’s latest centre in the country, BYD Mansion Macalister in the heart of George Town, Penang. The meticulously restored heri tage property was transformed into the brand’s northern flagship show room, joining BYD’s nationwide net work of more than 43 showrooms and over 25 dedicated aftersales centres. Simultaneously celebrated during the opening was the 5,000th BYD owner in the northern region, reflecting the growing confidence in electric mobility beyond the borders of the Klang Valley. BYD Mansion Macalister is located in a beautifully restored landmark and designed to be more than just any showroom. It features dedicated consultation lounges, integrated digi tal touchpoints and personalised customer spaces. Beyond infrastructure, BYD Malaysia and Sime Motors continue to invest in people through ongoing training programmes for technicians, sales advisors and aftersales profes sionals. This ensures Malaysian cus tomers benefit from globally certi fied EV expertise and high quality

managed by Swedish racing firm Cyan Racing. The outfit was founded as Polestar Racing to run Volvo racing programmes and is now the official motorsport partner of Geely Group Motorsport Prior to this, Cyan Racing was run ning Geely’s sub-brand Lynk & Co cars in the TCR World Tour before princi ple Geely stepped in and announced its participation at the end of last year. Cyan Racing’s participation with Lynk & Co saw them win six world championships in the manufacturer category and three world champion ships in the driver’s category. Now the outfit runs the new Geely Preface TCR, which is distantly related to the Lynk & Co 03 TCR as both are underpinned by Volvo’s CMA plat form.

Road-going versions of both cars are powered by Volvo’s 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo Drive-E engine and the manufacturer of the engine, Sweden’s Aurobay, was acquired by Horse Powertrain, of which Geely owns a stake i0n. TCR World Tour race cars are highly modified, front-wheel-drive production-based touring cars that must be based on the same bodyshell and 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine as the production road cars. Output is closely regulated to approximately 340PS with strict Balance of Performance (BoP) imple mentation for door-to-door racing. Other cars in the series include the likes of the Honda Civic Type-R, Hyundai Elantra N and Cupra Leon VZ.

Penang gets BYD mansion

support right at their doorstep. As EV adoption continues to grow nationwide, BYD Sime Motors remains focused on delivering reli able customer care through accessi ble aftersales support, backed by a 95% aftersales parts fill rate to lessen downtime and smoothen the owner ship experience. The launch was graced by t he presence of Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town & Country Planning. “Our commitment to Malaysia

reflects BYD’s global vision of mak ing sustainable mobility accessible to all. We continue to channel our tech nological innovations and research capabilities into this market because we believe in Malaysia’s electric future,” said Liu Xueliang, vice presi dent of BYD Co Ltd and General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division. “Our continuous investment in upskilling local talent in EV technolo gies and bringing in the latest tech nology and products to Malaysia also demonstrates our long-term promise to the nation.”