Malaysia is cautiously navigating global trade tensions, particularly as it seeks to maintain competitiveness in its growing electric vehicle (EV) industry, according to Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz. In an exclusive interview, Zafrul highlighted the potential global impact of rising US-China tensions, especially regarding the tech supply chain, while underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to an open, balanced engagement with both superpowers.
As businesses around the world seek to diversify supply chains due to geopolitical uncertainties, Malaysia has become an attractive destination for investments from tech companies and automakers. Yet, the country faces hurdles. Malaysia’s solar industry risks tariffs because of Washington’s anti-China policies, and the EV sector must strike a balance between fostering domestic growth and managing the influx of Chinese imports.
Chinese EV manufacturers are expected to expand their presence in Southeast Asia, particularly after facing restrictions in the US and Europe. While some countries have imposed tariffs to limit Chinese imports, Malaysia has so far avoided such measures. Zafrul emphasised the importance of fostering competition among local automakers like Perodua and Proton, while maintaining an open economic policy.
Perodua recorded a nine per cent month-on-month increase in August 2024, thanks to the strong performance of its two best-selling models, the Axia and Bezza, which are among the most affordable cars in Malaysia.
According to RHB Investment Bank analyst Syahril Hanafiah, production of the Axia surged by 14 per cent, while Bezza production saw an even more significant jump of 31 per cent in August. Together, these two models made up 57 per cent of Perodua’s total car production for the month.
“These two models have contributed significantly to Perodua’s success in August,” Syahril noted in a research report.
In addition to Perodua, Proton also saw an increase in production, with a modest four per cent rise. Among non-national manufacturers, Honda experienced an eight per cent boost in production after two months of decline, while Toyota saw a slight drop of two per cent of month-on-month output.
Starting this Sunday, September 22, two additional locations in Johor will begin operating to facilitate the registration and installation of Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for Singaporean vehicle owners. According to Bernama, these new locations will be at the Road Transport Department (JPJ) office in Taman Daya and the Southern Region Road Transport Academy in Larkin, with capacities to accommodate 800 and 400 vehicles per day, respectively.
Currently, the only location for VEP RFID tag installation is the VEP Collection Center (VCC) in Danga Bay, which has a limited capacity of 300 vehicles per day. With the addition of the two new locations, the overall daily installation capacity will increase to 1,500 vehicles, according to JPJ Director General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
smart Malaysia announces the next stop of the smart Tour Brand Roadshow in the Southern region, set to take place at Midvalley Southkey Mall from 19 to 22 September 2024. This event offers electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the latest in cutting-edge technology, featuring the smart #1 and smart #3 models.
Attendees will be able to explore innovative features, such as the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which allows the EV to power external devices, and interact with the Hello smart app in real time to discover nearby charging stations. These features highlight the future of electric mobility and the ease of transitioning to EVs.
The Malaysian automotive industry saw a six per cent increase in vehicle sales from January to August 2024, with 533,301 units sold compared to 503,783 units during the same period in 2023.
According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), 488,277 units were passenger vehicles, while 45,024 were commercial vehicles, compared to 451,403 passenger vehicles and 52,380 commercial vehicles sold in the first eight months of 2023.
Just a few days back, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, had a media preview of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander and stated that they had officially begun production of the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater.
Now, the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander has officially been launched, with production taking place in Pekan, Pahang. The new Xpander, designed to enhance its SUV styling, brings a host of upgraded features, making it more appealing to Malaysian drivers seeking a robust and practical seven-seater.
The facelifted Xpander showcases a refreshed, dynamic look, particularly in its rear design. It now features a redesigned light shape, a horizontally styled rear spoiler, and an updated bumper, all reflecting an active, sporty lifestyle that complements its SUV nature.
In terms of practicality, the Xpander remains a top contender with its best-in-class features. It boasts a 225mm ground clearance, making it well-suited for a variety of terrains. The interior offers exceptional space, providing up to 837 litres of cargo capacity when the second-row seats are folded. The facelift also brings additional enhancements, including a rear-driving video recorder and an electric parking brake, catering to the modern driver’s need for convenience and ease.
The interior has also received significant upgrades. A new, straight-cut dashboard is now complemented by brown leather trim pieces, which extend to the door cards. The 9.0 inch infotainment system is now displayed on a free-standing touchscreen, while the steering wheel has been simplified with a round horn pad for a cleaner look.
The air conditioning controls have been updated with a digital display, along with hard buttons and toggle switches for fan speed and temperature. New additions like a wireless charger and an electronic parking brake with auto hold further elevate the Xpander’s comfort level. The removal of the handbrake also allows for a centre front armrest, providing additional storage space.
For added convenience, both front and rear dashcams are now included. Middle-row passengers benefit from a fold-down centre armrest equipped with cupholders, and behind the front armrest, charging ports are available – one USB-A and one USB-C. The rear blower on the roof, with adjustable speed, ensures that passengers in the back remain comfortable during journeys.
Under the hood, the facelifted Xpander retains its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 105PS and 141Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
On the road prices without insurance start at RM99,980 for the standard variant and RM109,980 for the Xpander Plus variant. The first 500 customers who book and register the Xpander via the Mitsubishi Online Showroom will receive a Naturehike Camping Wagon worth RM400. The updated Mitsubishi Xpandr also comes with 5-Year warranty with unlimited mileage, for both variants.
In October 2023, Stellantis and Leapmotor announced a strategic joint venture, a groundbreaking partnership aimed at reshaping the global automotive industry with a focus on electrification and sustainability. This collaboration has led to the creation of Leapmotor International, with Stellantis holding a 51% stake and Leapmotor 49%. The venture is set to accelerate Leapmotor’s expansion beyond China, leveraging Stellantis’ global reach and expertise. By July 2024, Leapmotor had already achieved impressive growth, with 400,000 units sold, positioning it as one of China’s top three electric vehicle (EV) startups.
Driven by the increasing demand for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in China, Leapmotor is now eyeing global markets. The brand has established itself as a leader in innovation, developing and patenting over 443 technologies. These technologies are integrated across its vehicle lineup, which includes models such as the mid-sized C01 sedan, C11 SUV, flagship C16, compact T03, and the soon-to-be-released C10 SUV.
Proton has partnered with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MECD) and two government agencies to facilitate the “Market Access, Technology Transfer & Vendor Enhancement Program” in China. This initiative, conducted in early July, aimed to foster innovation, enhance commercialisation, and support Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable mobility. Organized by MECD and led by the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF), the program focused on accelerating the development of next-generation and electric vehicles (EVs) through strategic partnerships and technology exchanges.
Participants, including suppliers from MBSB Bank, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, PLUS Expressways Bhd, UEM Edgenta Bhd, and Telekom Malaysia, along with 22 Malaysian vendors, visited various EV component plants in China. Stops included Geely subsidiaries Zeekr and VREMT in Hangzhou Bay, offering key insights into EV manufacturing, facilities, and services.
Goodyear Malaysia, a leader in tyre technology, has once again demonstrated its commitment to public safety by donating 60 units of Goodyear Cargo Marathon 2 tyres to St. John Ambulance Malaysia. Valued at over RM25,000, this contribution is part of a collaboration that has spanned nearly two decades, underscoring Goodyear’s mission to support community safety initiatives.
Since 2006, Goodyear has played an essential role in equipping St. John Ambulance’s fleet of emergency vehicles with high-performance tyres. These tyres are critical for ensuring the reliability and safety of ambulances, which need to perform under extreme conditions during urgent medical responses. This latest donation reinforces Goodyear’s dedication to aiding those who protect public health.
