The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), with support from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Tourism Malaysia, has officially launched the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 (AUD 2025). The initiative, which aims to promote sustainability in mobility, marks the start of an ambitious 9,000km journey across nine ASEAN countries.

A landmark initiative in Malaysia’s leadership in green mobility, cross-border collaboration, and automotive innovation, AUD 2025 will culminate at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025), scheduled to take place from May 9 to May 15, 2025, at MAEPS, Serdang.

The official flag-off ceremony was held at Menara MITI and was officiated by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He emphasized that the initiative represents the region’s collective strength in advancing sustainable mobility while reinforcing economic integration and environmental stewardship. Malaysia remains committed to shaping a unified mobility ecosystem that accelerates innovation, harmonizes standards, and strengthens ASEAN’s position as a global leader in next-generation transportation. This drive, he noted, is a vital step towards a future-ready automotive industry benefiting the entire region.

As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the AUD 2025 initiative underscores the country’s role in leading the region’s transition towards green and smart mobility. The Proton e.MAS 7, serving as the official vehicle for the drive, highlights Malaysia’s commitment to electric mobility and supports both the national EV agenda and ASEAN’s broader sustainability goals.

The convoy, consisting of six Proton e.MAS 7 and four X Series vehicles provided by PROTON and PRO-NET, will traverse two distinct routes:

• North Route: Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam, the convoy will pass through Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and finally arrive in Malaysia.
• South Route: Beginning in Manila, Philippines, the journey will take participants through Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak, Indonesia, and Singapore before converging in Malaysia.

Both convoys will meet at MAS 2025 for the grand officiation, symbolizing ASEAN’s commitment to cross-border connectivity, eco-friendly transportation, and regional economic collaboration.

MARii Chief Executive Officer Azrul Reza Aziz reiterated that the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 aligns with the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020) and is a testament to Malaysia’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation in smart and sustainable mobility. The initiative harmonizes cross-border EV infrastructure, aligns regulatory frameworks, and fosters investment in sustainable mobility. By integrating EV networks with standardized policies and incentives, ASEAN is positioning itself as a global leader in EV adoption and innovation, while simultaneously strengthening regional supply chains and economic resilience.

MAS 2025 is set to be Malaysia’s premier automotive event, featuring new model launches, cutting-edge EV and ICE technologies, immersive test drive experiences, and key industry networking opportunities. Spanning eight exhibition halls, the event will serve as a dynamic hub for business, investment, and policy discussions, reinforcing the region’s automotive ecosystem on a global scale.

This year’s edition will also highlight the role of Women in Automotive, celebrating female pioneers and encouraging greater participation in mobility innovation and leadership. Additionally, the Automotive Career & Education Day will feature a career fair and the ASEAN Automotive Debate, where top regional university teams will engage in thought-provoking discussions on the future of the industry.

With the previous edition attracting over 230,000 visitors, MAS 2025 is expected to draw an even larger audience, cementing its status as the definitive automotive event of the year.

Participating Brands at Malaysia Autoshow 2025:

A diverse range of automotive and industry-related brands will showcase their latest products and innovations at MAS 2025. Among the participating brands are:

70mai, Affin Bank, AION, Alien Rider, Ambank, Audi, Azdome, Bank Rakyat, BMW, Boon Siew Honda, BYD, Chery, Def Con5, Dodo Mat, Etiqa Motortakaful, Falken Tyres, GAC, GCW World, GPsina, GWM, Hong Leong Bank, IrisPro, Indian Motorcycle, JAECOO, JC Car, JETOUR, JPM, Kawasaki, Kenny Hill Bakers, KTM, Lambretta, Maxtag, MG, MODA, Modenas, Mr Absorber, Nissan, Perodua, PETRONAS, Pecca Leather, Proton, PUNB, Rimbunan Kuasa, RWB, SA Sound Auto, Stanford Tyres, Superlux, Suzuki, Tourism Malaysia, Toyota, Trapo, Volkswagen, XPeng, Zeekr, and Zontes.

With a bold vision for the future of mobility, the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 and Malaysia Autoshow 2025 will champion innovation, sustainability, and economic growth, as Malaysia leads ASEAN’s automotive evolution.