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Vespa 946 Snake Limited Edition Launched in Italy

The new Vespa 946 Snake limited edition has been launched to celebrate the Lunar Calendar’s Year of the Snake celebration. Vespa had also released the 946 Dragon to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, in 2024. In any case, the Vespa 946 snake is limited to just 888 units.

Vespa says the design is “inspired by icy landscapes”: Simple yet eye-catching, the model features a series of accessories, and has been created with particular attention to design and functionality.

Snake-inspired details are evident in the handlebar grips and the seat, which mirror the reptile’s characteristic skin texture, while there are chrome elements featured across the fuel tank and mudguard to complete the model’s aesthetics.

Additionally, Vespa has a helmet with a removable interior and smoked visor along with a very stylish Bomber jacket specifically made to suit the model. By contrast, the 946 Dragon had a jacket only.

Vespa is planning to implement an international retail strategy through pop-up stores in various locations. The tour for the 946 Snake will begin in Rome, at Rinascente Tritone, followed by Galeries Lafayette on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This is already ongoing and will end on 5 February. The itinerary also includes stops at flagship stores in Milan, Vienna, Beijing, Istanbul, Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, and Jakarta.

Pre-orders for the new Vespa 946 Snake began on 8 January with further information on the official Vespa website.

70-Year-Old KTM Controlled Foundry goes Bankrupt

A 70-year-old KTM controlled foundry has gone bankrupt.

The Austrian foundry, called Vöcklabrucker Metallgießerei Dambauer GmbH (VMG) was a family business and Pierer Beteiligungs GmbH took over 70 per cent of the business in 2022. The news outlet OÖNachrichten (OON) reported that the company had 150 employees and a turnover of €32 million at the time of the takeover.

Half of VMD’s sales was to KTM, while the other half came from other clients, including some from BMW.

OON further reported that KTM Components AG had promised VMG’s bosses that the former will keep the foundry afloat by providing funds including for the workers’ salaries, despite KTM’s struggles.

Unfortunately that did not come to pass as there seems to be no plan to restructure the company. It is a big blow to the staff, who are reported to be still owed wages, and also for the family that built the company. VMG was slated to celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2025.

A spokesman from the creditors’ protection association KSV1870 said, “We assume that the debtor company will be closed in bankruptcy court as quickly as possible after a prior examination by the insolvency administrator and that the remaining assets will be utilized in the best possible way.”

In other words, the creditors are keen to be repaid and VMG’s assets will be sold off.

MACC Arrests Another 13 Puspakom Vehicle Inspectors

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested 13 more Puspakom vehicle inspection officers. The total number of arrests now stands at 19 Puspakom officers, 1 agent, and 2 runners.

All the male suspects, aged between 20 and 40, were detained between 1pm and 2pm yesterday and 10am and 3pm today while they were giving statements at the MACC Headquarters in Putrajaya.

“Initial investigations found that all the suspects were believed to have received bribes of between RM150 and RM1,500 per month in cash from runners in return for helping to pass vehicle inspections where they were working.

“The arrest of all the suspects follows the arrest of six vehicle inspection officers last Monday and also the result of interrogation conducted by the MACC on an agent who was handed over by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) earlier,” said a source.

Meanwhile, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations), Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya when contacted confirmed the arrest and said that the case is being investigated under Section 16 (b) (A) of the MACC Act 2009.

However, he said that all 13 vehicle inspection officers who were arrested yesterday and today will be released on MACC bail after their statements are taken.

We have featured news on the arrest of 6 Puspkom vehicle inspection officers by the Anti-Corruption Commission Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) a few days ago. Following that, there were some rather interesting comments such as, “Provide a bigger lockup.” There was also an allegation by a lorry driver that he was denied approval three times until he hired the services of a ‘runner.’

1,300 Bookings for Zontes 368G Scooter Within One Week

It looks like Zontes has hit the sweet spot here in Malaysia, as there are already 1,300 bookings for the Zontes 368G scooter within one week of its official launch. It was launched on 2nd January 2025.

Begin Press Release:

ZONTES Malaysia is delighted to announce that, until now (9th January) the recently launched ZONTES 368G has received more than 1300 bookings. With a basic selling price (BSP) of RM28,800, this adventure scooter has become a popular choice among Malaysians who are seeking a versatile ride on the road, whether it is for daily commutes or light off-roading.

The ZONTES 368G Adventure Scooter is a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) model manufactured in a local CKD assembly plant in Jitra, Kedah. Riders can enjoy top-quality scooter features such as a larger-than-average fuel tank and extensive safety features at an inexpensive price. After the production and inspection stages, this model is scheduled to be delivered in March 2025, ensuring owners receive their product with utmost satisfaction.

In the meantime, interested buyers are welcome to arrange a viewing and make a booking at any authorised ZONTES dealer across Malaysia. On top of that, ZONTES Malaysia will be hosting a nationwide roadshow from 3rd January to 6th April 2025. Biking enthusiasts can seize this opportunity to have a closer view of this adventure scooter.

You may refer to this table for specific dates and details:

For more information on the ZONTES 368G, please visit the official website of ZONTES Malaysia at https://zontesmalaysia.com/

Zontes 368G First Ride Review, The Game Changer

Bajaj Hit 3.1 Million Registrations in 2024

Bajaj Auto recorded 3.1 million motorcycle registrations worldwide in 2024, a 10.6% rise. It was not far from their highest record.

The data was provided by the website MotorCycles Data who track actual registrations by consumers, rather than sales invoiced to dealers by the manufacturers.

The company’s sales growth was almost entirely driven by domestic consumption, taking the brand to fourth place in India behind Honda, Hero, and Yamaha.

By contrast, Bajaj’s share in the global market saw some drops, apart the African continent, where the demand is for cheap vehicles and consumers are considering Bajaj Auto as an alternative to Chinese motorcycles. 96% of the total sales and exports were mainly to Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka.

The manufacturer also holds a strong position in South America, exporting from the local plant based in Colombia.

Biggest gainers were India (+13.4%), Brazil (+136%), and Nicaragua (+53%). Markets that saw the sharpest drops were Bangladesh (-27%), Philippines (-10.2%), and Argentina (-15.6%).

Overall, Bajaj Auto lost one place in the world ranking, dropping to 6th, behind TVS Motor.

MACC Arrests 6 Puspakom Officers, 2 Individuals

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested eight individuals, including six vehicle inspection officers, who were suspected of being involved in a syndicate that approved heavy vehicle inspections at a Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) in the capital.

Sources said that all the male suspects, aged between 30 and 50, were arrested when they appeared to give statements at the MACC Headquarters in Putrajaya from 12 noon to 11 pm.

“The arrest of all the suspects is the result of an interrogation conducted by the MACC on an agent who was handed over by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) earlier.

“However, the six vehicle inspection officers involved have been released on MACC bail after their statements were taken,” he said.

The six inspection officers have been suspended by Puspakom.

PUSPAKOM Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman said his party views the case seriously and will not tolerate any misconduct, especially involving the integrity of vehicle inspection operations.

“PUSPAKOM will not protect anyone involved in corruption,” he said.

Meanwhile, two other individuals have been remanded for five days starting today until January 11.

The remand order was issued by Magistrate Irza Zulaikha after an application was made by the MACC at the Putrajaya Magistrate’s Court, this morning.

Meanwhile, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations), Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, when contacted, confirmed the arrests and informed that the case is being investigated under Section 16 (b) (A) of the MACC Act 2009.

According to him, so far the MACC has arrested nine individuals and does not rule out the possibility of several follow-up arrests being made to assist in the investigation.