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Jaecoo J7 PHEV Enters Malaysian Market, First Locally Assembled Units Roll Off Production Line

Malaysia’s hybrid vehicle segment is set to welcome a new contender with the arrival of the Jaecoo J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) SUV by the end of February 2025. In anticipation of the official launch, Jaecoo Malaysia has confirmed that the first locally assembled units of the J7 PHEV have begun rolling off the production line at its Shah Alam facility.

According to Jaecoo Malaysia Vice President Emily Lek, the J7 PHEV is strategically positioned as a viable alternative between the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and fully Electric Vehicle (EV) segments. “We believe the Jaecoo J7 PHEV perfectly aligns with market demand by offering the best of both worlds through its advanced Super Hybrid System (SHS). As Malaysia’s EV ecosystem continues to evolve, we are committed to providing consumers with a seamless transition to hybrid mobility,” she stated.

Lek also highlighted Jaecoo’s preparedness in after-sales service, ensuring a robust support network for PHEV owners. “Beyond delivering a premium SUV, our Jaecoo network is fully equipped to support PHEV customers, ensuring longevity and satisfaction throughout their ownership journey.”

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Proton Starts 2025 With New e.MAS 7 Leading EV Sales In January

Following a record-breaking year in 2024 with Total Industry Volume (TIV) reaching 813,521 units, the Malaysian automotive market experienced a downturn in January 2025. The decline was attributed to high sales in December 2024 and the impact of the Chinese New Year festive period. An estimated 50,278 vehicles were sold in January 2025, marking a 38.7% drop from the 81,987 units sold in December 2024 and a 24.9% decline from the 66,925 units recorded in January 2024.

Proton Reports Market Share Growth Despite Industry Slowdown

Amid the overall decline, Proton’s total sales for January 2025—including domestic, export, Proton e.MAS, and smart car models—stood at 9,914 units. This figure compares to 12,882 units of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars sold in January 2024. Despite the lower volume, Proton’s estimated market share rose to 19.7%, up from 18.7% last year. The company credited the performance to strong sales of the Proton e.MAS 7, a surge in exports, and three Proton models leading their respective segments.

Proton e.MAS 7 Emerges as Malaysia’s Best-Selling EV

The Proton e.MAS 7, launched on December 16, 2024, has gained significant traction in Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) market. Over 4,000 units have been booked, prompting Proton to release an additional 3,000 units with launch package benefits. Deliveries began in early 2025, with 421 units reaching customers in January, making it Malaysia’s best-selling EV with a 25% share of the total EV market.

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Toyota Becomes World’s Most Valuable Automotive Brand, Surpassing Mercedes-Benz and Tesla

Toyota has reclaimed its position as the world’s most valuable automotive brand, overtaking both Mercedes-Benz and Tesla, according to the latest Automotive Industry 2025 report by leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance. The Japanese automaker’s brand value surged by 23% to USD 64.7 billion, driven by strong sales and a strategic focus on hybrid vehicles.

As the industry grapples with a slower-than-expected transition to fully electric vehicles (EVs), Toyota’s emphasis on hybrids has resonated with consumers seeking fuel efficiency without the infrastructure challenges of EV adoption. The company’s ability to optimize production and maintain profitability despite rising material costs has reinforced its leadership. AI-driven supply chain management and a diverse product mix have also contributed to Toyota’s sustained growth.

Tesla, which previously held a dominant position in brand value rankings, experienced a significant decline of 26%, bringing its valuation down to USD 43.0 billion and placing it in third position. The decline has been attributed to missed revenue expectations, intensified competition in the EV sector, and aggressive price cuts in key markets, particularly China. Additionally, shifting political dynamics in the United States, including the potential rollback of EV subsidies under a Trump administration, have added to Tesla’s challenges.

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Denza D9 to be Launched in Malaysia Soon – Carnival, Alphard, Vellfire and Staria Rival

The Denza D9, a premium electric MPV from the Shenzhen-based Denza brand (a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz), is set to make its debut in Malaysia soon, marking a significant step in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Designed to cater to the growing demand for luxury family vehicles, the D9 combines cutting-edge EV technology, spacious interiors, and sophisticated design, making it a strong contender in the premium MPV segment.

BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. has taken a significant step forward in expanding its footprint in Malaysia by officially signing an Importation & Distribution Agreement for Denza. The ceremony, held at Sunway Resort Hotel back in 2024, saw Sime Darby Auto Imports Sdn. Bhd. appointed as the official importer, while BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. was named the official distributor for Denza in Malaysia.

The Denza D9 is powered by BYD’s advanced Blade Battery technology, offering impressive range and safety. With two powertrain options—a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a fully electric (EV) variant—the D9 caters to a wide range of consumers. The EV model boasts a range of up to 600km on a single charge, while the PHEV variant offers the flexibility of electric driving with the convenience of a combustion engine for longer trips.

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Volkswagen Expands All-Wheel Drive Lineup with Powerful TSI Engines

Volkswagen is enhancing the driving range of its best-selling models—the Tiguan, Passat, and the newly introduced Tayron—by equipping them with the most powerful turbocharged petrol engines (TSI) in combination with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. This upgrade enhances towing capacity, stability, and performance across various driving conditions.

The Tiguan and Tayron SUVs are now available in 2.0 TSI 4MOTION variants, offering two output levels: 204PS and 265 PS. The Passat 2.0 TSI 4MOTION is exclusively available with the higher 265PS powertrain. These models boast towing capacities of up to 2,200 kg for the Passat and Tiguan, while the Tayron can tow up to 2,500 kg with the appropriate equipment. Sales have already commenced in select European markets, with these petrol-powered variants complementing the existing 193PS TDI diesel options.

The integration of 4MOTION all-wheel drive provides improved traction and stability in various weather and road conditions. The system utilises a 4MOTION clutch to transmit power to the rear axle when additional grip is required. Under normal driving conditions, the vehicle operates in front-wheel drive mode to optimize fuel efficiency. Drivers can also manually engage all-wheel drive to enhance traction on snowy or challenging terrains.

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Toyota Gazoo Racing Unveils GR Parts Styling Packages for 2025 HiAce For Japan

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s GR Parts division has introduced two distinct styling packages for the H200-generation HiAce, which continues into the 2025 model year in Japan. Despite its longstanding presence since 2004, the van remains a popular choice, prompting Toyota to enhance its appeal with new design upgrades.

The two styling kits, named Version I and Version II, offer unique aesthetic modifications catering to different customer preferences. Version I features an off-road-inspired design, including a rugged bolt-on front bumper insert with integrated LED lights and a metal-style skid plate. Side skirts resembling side steps and GR-branded mudflaps, available in red or black, further emphasize its robust appearance. This package is priced at ¥231,000, approximately RM7,392.

Version II, in contrast, adopts a sportier approach. It includes a front splitter and more subtle side skirt extensions, enhancing the van’s dynamic look. Additional options for this version include a deeper rear bumper with a miniature diffuser, new 15-inch alloy wheels, and a number plate frame with GR bolts. The Version II body kit is priced at ¥143,000, translating to around RM4,576.

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Stellantis Explores Eggshells as Sustainable Tyre Component

Stellantis, the multinational automotive giant, has filed a patent for an innovative and eco-friendly tyre compound that incorporates discarded eggshells. This groundbreaking development aims to replace traditional fillers like carbon black and silica with calcium oxide (CaO) extracted from eggshells, potentially improving both environmental sustainability and tyre performance.

A New Use for Eggshells

The patent, initially submitted in mid-2023 and published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on January 23, 2024, details Stellantis’ plan to use calcium oxide derived from eggshells as a coupling agent in tyre production. This approach could significantly reduce waste by repurposing bio-waste while also minimising reliance on chemical-based materials.

Hen eggshells, which are over 90% calcium carbonate, can be transformed into calcium oxide through high-temperature processing. According to Stellantis, this innovative material could enhance a tyre’s rolling resistance, improve grip in wet conditions, and increase fuel efficiency by approximately 3%, while reducing rolling resistance by 20% compared to conventional tyres containing carbon black.

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Volvo Unveils EX30 Cross Country: A Rugged, Fully Electric SUV for Adventurers

Volvo has officially revealed the EX30 Cross Country, an all-electric SUV designed for adventure seekers looking to explore beyond city limits. The unveiling took place at a secluded winter cabin in northern Sweden, in collaboration with outdoor equipment brand Fjällräven.

Blending Urban Utility with Off-Road Capability

The EX30 Cross Country builds upon the existing EX30 model, incorporating rugged enhancements to navigate challenging terrains. It offers a fully electric powertrain with a range of up to 427 km and a rapid charging capability that allows for a 10-80% charge in just 26 minutes. The vehicle comes equipped with all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, ensuring smooth travel across diverse landscapes.

Additional features include larger wheels with an optional 18-inch all-terrain tyre upgrade, providing greater stability on rough surfaces. Volvo aims to cater to drivers who seek both urban convenience and off-road versatility, making the EX30 Cross Country a compelling choice for modern explorers.

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PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealerships to East Malaysia

PRO-NET, the new energy vehicle subsidiary of Proton, has taken a significant step in its nationwide dealership expansion with the official launch of Proton e.MAS dealerships in Sabah and Sarawak. This move aims to introduce advanced electric mobility solutions to customers in East Malaysia.

The first of these new dealerships was inaugurated in Kota Kinabalu on February 8 by the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship of Sabah, YB Datuk Phoong Jin Tze. Harapan Maju Sabah Sdn. Bhd. now operates the Proton e.MAS showroom in the state capital. In Sarawak, Ybhg. Dato Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching South, launched the e.MAS dealership by Melinau EV Sdn. Bhd. on February 11. Further expansions will see Ghee Hua Co. Sdn. Bhd. opening its showroom in Sarawak on February 13, followed by Fook Loi Eurocar Sdn. Bhd. in Sabah on February 28.

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JPJ Warns Against Rising Use of ‘Dummy Buckles’ to Bypass Seat Belt Alarms

The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) has raised concerns over an increasing trend of vehicle owners using “dummy buckles” to silence seat belt alarms instead of wearing seat belts properly.

Negeri Sembilan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf revealed that the highest number of notices issued during the special Chinese New Year operation were for seat belt violations, with 195 offences recorded. Alarmingly, more than 30% of these cases involved drivers using dummy buckles—accessories that resemble real seat belt buckles—to disable seat belt reminders.

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English

Jaecoo J7 PHEV Enters Malaysian Market, First Locally Assembled Units Roll Off Production Line

Proton Starts 2025 With New e.MAS 7 Leading EV Sales In January

Toyota Becomes World’s Most Valuable Automotive Brand, Surpassing Mercedes-Benz and Tesla

Denza D9 to be Launched in Malaysia Soon – Carnival, Alphard, Vellfire and Staria Rival

Volkswagen Expands All-Wheel Drive Lineup with Powerful TSI Engines

Toyota Gazoo Racing Unveils GR Parts Styling Packages for 2025 HiAce For Japan

Stellantis Explores Eggshells as Sustainable Tyre Component

Volvo Unveils EX30 Cross Country: A Rugged, Fully Electric SUV for Adventurers

PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealerships to East Malaysia

JPJ Warns Against Rising Use of ‘Dummy Buckles’ to Bypass Seat Belt Alarms

Jaecoo J7 PHEV Enters Malaysian Market, First Locally Assembled Units Roll Off Production Line

Proton Starts 2025 With New e.MAS 7 Leading EV Sales In January

Toyota Becomes World’s Most Valuable Automotive Brand, Surpassing Mercedes-Benz and Tesla

Denza D9 to be Launched in Malaysia Soon – Carnival, Alphard, Vellfire and Staria Rival

Volkswagen Expands All-Wheel Drive Lineup with Powerful TSI Engines

Toyota Gazoo Racing Unveils GR Parts Styling Packages for 2025 HiAce For Japan

Stellantis Explores Eggshells as Sustainable Tyre Component

Volvo Unveils EX30 Cross Country: A Rugged, Fully Electric SUV for Adventurers

PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealerships to East Malaysia

JPJ Warns Against Rising Use of ‘Dummy Buckles’ to Bypass Seat Belt Alarms

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