PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has announced a significant milestone for its electric SUV, the Proton e.MAS 7, which recorded 1,853 cumulative deliveries in the first quarter of 2025. With 797 units delivered in March alone, the vehicle is estimated to hold a commanding 30% share of the Malaysian EV market, securing its position as the nation’s top-selling electric vehicle.
According to PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang, the achievement reflects the growing trust and enthusiasm among Malaysian consumers for Proton’s electrification journey. He stated that customer confidence in both the e.MAS 7 and the broader EV ecosystem Proton is building have been instrumental to this success. He also acknowledged the role of dealers and partners in establishing a comprehensive support infrastructure for EV adoption, adding that the company is committed to continuous improvement in quality and ownership experience.
Accessible, Feature-Rich, and Designed for Malaysians
The Proton e.MAS 7 has gained traction among Malaysian buyers thanks to its competitive pricing and array of advanced features. Priced from RM105,800 for the Prime variant and RM119,800 for the Premium, the e.MAS 7 offers exceptional value for those seeking sustainable mobility without compromising on comfort or safety.
A Chinese tyre manufacturer operating in Thailand is under official investigation following allegations of smuggling substandard tyres into the country, altering them, and fraudulently labelling them as newly produced products for both local sale and export.
According to an Industry Ministry official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, the company in question had been granted investment privileges to manufacture vehicle tyres in Thailand using imported raw materials from China. Despite this, the company is reported to employ only Chinese workers at its Thai facility.
Authorities were alerted through tip-offs alleging that defective tyres, which had failed to meet safety and quality standards in China, were being smuggled into Thailand. These tyres were reportedly stripped of their original brand logos and rebranded before being released into the Thai market or prepared for export.
Mercedes-Benz is reportedly preparing to overhaul its AMG offerings for the C-Class as part of an upcoming mid-cycle facelift, with plans to retire both the C43 and C63 variants. Industry insiders suggest that a new model, expected to be named the AMG C53, will take their place as the brand repositions its performance sedans for a new era.
According to sources familiar with the automaker’s product strategy, the C53 will likely adopt a six-cylinder powertrain, representing a significant departure from the current C63, which uses a highly electrified four-cylinder engine. The rumored new model is said to employ a version of the M256M inline-six engine, enhanced with mild-hybrid technology but without a plug-in hybrid system. This change suggests that Mercedes-AMG could be shifting away from complex electrified setups in favor of a more traditional performance configuration.
Speculation about the C53’s power output places it between the current AMG C43 and C63 models. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, expectations point to an engine delivering more than the 416 horsepower of the C43, but less than the 671hp offered by the plug-in hybrid C63. Comparisons are being drawn to the CLE53, which utilizes the same engine and delivers around 443hp. Analysts anticipate a similar figure for the upcoming C53, which would position it competitively in the performance sedan segment.
Mercedes-Benz officials have previously indicated to Motor1 that the V8 engine will not return to the C-Class platform, confirming the end of an era for traditional AMG powertrains in this segment. While some company executives had earlier expressed confidence in the electrified four-cylinder’s potential, its reception among enthusiasts has been lukewarm. This has led to heavy discounting in key markets such as Germany and the United States, signaling a disconnect between product positioning and consumer demand.
In a time when the automotive industry increasingly leans into digital interfaces, Hyundai is taking a measured stance against the overuse of touchscreen technology in modern car interiors. While many automakers continue to integrate oversized screens in place of traditional tactile controls, Hyundai has signaled a renewed focus on driver ergonomics and safety.
The company has acknowledged growing consumer frustration over the excessive reliance on digital displays, noting that an over-dependence on touchscreens can lead to driver distraction and discomfort. According to Hyundai’s Senior Vice President of Design, Simon Loasby, the automaker intends to retain physical buttons for frequently used features to ensure safer and more intuitive control for drivers.
Loasby explained that future Hyundai interiors are being developed with an emphasis on minimising visual distraction. The priority, he said, is to keep drivers’ attention at eye level rather than on central displays. By preserving certain physical controls, Hyundai aims to leverage drivers’ muscle memory, enabling adjustments without diverting their gaze from the road.
The move comes amid increasing criticism of touchscreen-heavy designs, which many argue prioritise aesthetic minimalism and manufacturing efficiency over user experience and safety. Hyundai’s leadership appears to share these concerns. Luc Donckerwolke, the company’s Chief Creative Officer, stated that large displays often serve as a cost-saving measure, reducing the need for tooling and physical components. However, he acknowledged that consumers still appreciate and desire analog interactions.
The government is considering the adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven road monitoring system to curb pothole-related accidents, following renewed concerns over road safety and infrastructure maintenance.
According to NST, the proposed system, tabled by road safety expert Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, would incorporate scanning technology, inspection drones, and a public feedback platform via a dedicated mobile app to identify and address road defects more efficiently.
Professor Law said the AI system would use smart algorithms to analyse data, predict high-risk zones, and prioritise repairs based on damage severity. “The collected information would be displayed on a central dashboard accessible to authorities and concessionaires, with automatic alerts to ensure prompt action and greater accountability,” he explained.
The call for urgent reform follows a recent fatal accident in Kuantan, where a motorcyclist lost his life after skidding into a pothole on the Kuantan–Cherok Paloh road. Just weeks earlier, a similar incident in Kluang, Johor, claimed the lives of two school-going siblings.
Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Narushi Yazaki as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, who has helmed the company for the past three years.
Mr. Yazaki brings over 25 years of global experience within Honda, having held senior leadership roles in Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Prior to his Malaysian posting, he was with the Corporate Administration Operations division at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.
Less than three months after its Singapore debut, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Neta has quietly shuttered its first and only showroom at One Commonwealth, as reported by The Business Times, raising doubts about its future in the market.
Operated by local distributor Evology Automobile, the showroom opened in January but was found closed during business hours over the weekend of April 5. Queries to Neta and Evology have gone unanswered.
Owned by Shanghai-based Hozon New Energy Automobile, Neta launched its Neta X and Neta Aya models at Suntec City on January 9, reportedly securing 52 orders. However, Land Transport Authority data shows only four vehicles registered to date.
Danish automaker Zenvo Automotive has revealed the Mjølner—an all-new 6.6-litre quad-turbocharged hybrid V12 engine that produces a staggering 1,850hp. Designed for Zenvo’s upcoming Aurora hypercar, Mjølner is claimed to be the most powerful V12 ever fitted to a road car, outpacing even Bugatti’s 1,775hp Tourbillon.
The mid-mounted V12 alone generates 1,250hp at up to 9,800 RPM. Combined with a hybrid system, total output hits 1,850 hp. The engine, co-developed with British firm MAHLE, will enter production testing soon, with manufacturing to take place at MAHLE’s UK facility.
Built for real-world use, Mjølner is the first in a new modular engine series that could yield V-10, V-8, or V-6 variants. It features MAHLE’s jet ignition system—over 10 years in the making—enabling global emissions compliance. Only 100 units will be produced.
The advent of Chinese cars has claimed many victims, most of them from legacy brands. But that is not necessarily a bad thing because every once in a while, the market needs a real shake-up and more often than not, it is the buyer that wins.
While there was a time when Korean cars did most of the market shake ups with their bold designs, futuristic interiors and technologies, now it is the Chinese that are doing the shaking.
But while the Chinese variants do have their strengths, particularly in terms of specifications and pricing, the Koreans have their own as well.
I remember a time when car buyers were skeptical about Korean cars. They had everything you would want in a car, and arguably drove pretty well, but the market sentiments were against them particularly the used value and reliability.
But times have changed, and though it is the Chinese that are dominating the headlines these days, cars like the latest generation Kia Sportage which you see here remind us of how far Kia has some, and what it has achieved over the years.
First, a little perspective
The Sportage was first introduced to the Malaysian market around 1998. It went up against the establishment, particularly the Honda CRV, Suzuki Vitara and the Toyota RAV4.
As you could probably imagine, the competition was fierce, but Kia and its local distributor stood by its guns.
The Sportage held its own with its spaciousness, ease of driving and creature comforts. While the competition was tough and the early years was undoubtedly tough, the Sportage found a fanbase.
Fast forward a couple of years and the Kia Sportage is a staple model in its segment. Having survived global economic meltdowns, the Asian financial crisis and other turmoil’s, the Sportage is now one of the “regulars”.
The newcomers though have it squarely in its sights.
The game changer
The Kia Sportage that arguably cemented Kia’s reputation as a serious contender is the third-generation model.
This was the model designed by Peter Schreyer; a legendary automotive designer who moved from Audi to Kia in 2006, and who has been credited for creating the car that some say changed automotive design forever with the original Audi TT.
The third-generation Sportage made people stand up and take notice. It had everything that more expensive cars had but at a fraction of the price. Sound familiar?
The Sportage changed the SUV C-segment and made life difficult for the established players. In fact, one would argue that the third-generation Sportage marked Kia’s arrival as an also-ran to a force to be reckoned with. In Malaysia, at least.
Enter the latest Sportage
Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd introduced the fifth-generation Sportage in December of 2024. At the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show, to be exact.
The new Sportage is available in four variants, all of which are locally assembled in Kulim.
The prices of the new Sportage range from RM147,218.60 for the entry level 2.0G 2WD variant to RM186,899 for the top of the line 1.6T AWD High.
We received the pre-facelift model, which is what all of our neighboring countries received as well. The newer facelifted model is only available in South Korea for now and will take time to reach all other markets.
We recently drove the top-of-the-line variant, and in typical Sportage fashion, it checks all the boxes.
So, how is it like?
Let’s start this by addressing the elephant in the room first, its design. Kia is known for its outlandish designs, and it delivered once again.
It is my personal belief that a design is always subjective, a personal matter. But I think we can all agree that the design of the Sportage is bound to turn heads, for good or for bad. For me, it is for good as I quite like how it looks.
The interior on the other hand is up for debate. There is nothing particularly wrong with it, I don’t mind it. In fact, I think the interior has everything you need in a modern SUV.
But the reason why it is up for debate is because of Chinese cars, and to a degree, Tesla. You see, cars from Chinese makers as well as Tesla have normalised gigantic infotainment screens.
You may argue that big screens are distracting and inconvenient and such, but the fact is the gargantuan screens sell. And that is what buyers want these days.
So, any infotainment screen smaller than 10-inches puts the car at the shorter end of the stick.
Thankfully then, the Turbo variants of the Sportage (those powered by the 1.6-litre engine), come with massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen and another 12.3-inch instrument cluster. This combined 24.6-inch curved screen is huge, and it is horizontally mounted rather than vertically.
And the icing on this cake is that it comes with user friendly software (including Carplay and Android Auto), and this is something that a number of its competitors mentioned above are still grappling with.
In fact, it also has unique family-friendly features such as a Quiet Mode which turns off the speakers at the rear of the car so passengers can take a nap without music blaring. This can be handy considering you get a premium eight-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system which can be quite fun on the road.
This is something you can expect from car makers who have been building cars for decades, they seem to understand human ergonomics a lot better than the newer ones.
I also really appreciate the fact that it comes with physical buttons for all the important controls such as air-conditioning, audio volume and drive mode selector. It is a little sad that we have come to a time where we glorify simple buttons, but these are important to have as they enhance safety by reducing distractions.
Interior spaciousness is great as well, typical of a SUV of this segment. And the other thing that I really appreciate about the Sportage is that they have louvres at the back of the headrests of the front seats.
This may not seem like a big deal, but if you have kids, these louvres are perfect to slot a iPad into, making long distance trips more manageable. It is these simple things that make a world of difference, and that is what makes the new Sportage quite special.
How does it drive?
We drove the top of the line 1.6 Turbo High spec model. This variant is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged model which sends its power to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Power on the other hand is rated at 177hp @ 5,500rpm and 265Nm @ 1,500rpm.
And while this isn’t exactly on par with some of the competition, it is good enough to get you well past cruising speed on the highway.
It is also worth noting right now that the instrument cluster also doubles up as a blind spot display. This is a technology that has been in the market for a while, but it is only available in Kias and Hyundais for now.
This is where the rpm dial on the digital cluster shows you what’s on either the right or the left of the car when you turn on the indicator. It corresponds to the direction of the signal, i.e., it shows you what’s on the right when you indicate right and vice versa.
This works in conjunction with the blind spot monitoring and is a fantastic little detail that makes life simpler and safer behind the wheel. And no, no other car maker has managed to replicate it, though that may just be a matter of time.
The other thing that is worth mentioning is the refinement of the Sportage. The interior is a good place to be if you want to just sit in silence and gather your thoughts. It is quiet and remains so up until 120km/h.
Suspension is great as well, with the MacPherson struts and multi-links soaking up everything yet providing you with good control of the car at high speed. In fact, there is little to complain about at all.
The verdict?
As good as the Sportage is, buyers will naturally compare it against the competition, and the price of the flagship variant is quite steep when you compare it against the Chinese offerings.
But the Sportage can hold its own if you can look past the skin-deep features of the competition. It looks good, drives well, has tech that is relevant in the real world, and is spacious as well as refined too.
And the best part is the five-year warranty and five-year service package that actually lasts as long as they say it will, with nothing hidden away in the fine print.
For that alone, it should be up there in your consideration list.
Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac is reportedly looking to take full control of its joint venture with Bugatti by acquiring Porsche’s 45% stake in Bugatti Rimac. If successful, the move would mark a significant shift in the ownership structure of the ultra-luxury performance brand.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Rimac has made a preliminary offer to buy out Porsche’s stake in the company, which was valued at over €1 billion (approximately RM5.1 billion) at the time of its formation in 2021. While the exact figure of the offer remains undisclosed, Rimac may be seeking support from external investors to complete the transaction.
The Rimac Group currently holds a 55% share in Bugatti Rimac, while Porsche owns the remaining 45%. Talks are still in the early stages, and Rimac has not commented publicly on the potential deal. However, the idea of Porsche exiting the partnership is especially notable, considering that it had reportedly attempted to buy out Rimac from the joint venture shortly after its establishment.
