Proton achieved notable success in October 2024, with total sales of 12,799 units, reflecting a 13.6% increase from September. This brings the year-to-date (YTD) total to 125,557 units, reinforcing the brand’s goal of securing a sixth consecutive year of growth. With a projected market share of 18.1% for October and a YTD share of 18.9%, Proton stands firmly as Malaysia’s second most popular automotive brand.
The automotive industry as a whole rebounded in October, with estimated total industry volume (TIV) reaching 70,668 units, marking the fifth time this year that monthly sales have exceeded 70,000 units.
Key Model Highlights
Proton Saga: Delivering 6,112 units in October, this model’s YTD sales reached 60,178 units, securing its spot as the third highest-selling vehicle in Malaysia. Proton aims for the Saga to surpass 70,000 units by year-end.
Proton X50: Leading the B-segment SUV market, the X50 maintained its popularity with 2,122 units sold in October, showcasing a blend of style, performance, and advanced features.
Alongside the AMG models that were introduced, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also unveiled the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e 4MATIC Coupe is a plug-in hybrid model that emphasises both luxury and practicality. The GLC 350 e offers an impressive all-electric range of over 100km (WLTP) and supports speeds up to 140km/h on electric power alone, making it a versatile choice for urban and longer-distance driving.
Design and Exterior Features
The GLC Coupe’s sporty silhouette is complemented by an AMG Line exterior, highlighted with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, and aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs. Polished aluminium roof rails enhance its premium profile, while the Digital Light technology with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus ensures high visibility across various driving conditions.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced a few new AMG models to their lineup here which are the Mercedes-AMG G63, AMG SL 63 4MATIC+, AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe and the AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe.
G63 AMG
The all-new Mercedes-AMG G63 made waves when it was introduced to the world earlier this year. It marks the continuation of an icon and is now powered by the tried-and-tested AMG 4.0-litre V8 Bi-Turbo engine. It puts out 585hp and 850Nm of torque.
One of the key new features is the combination of the 48-volt technology and an integrated starter generator (ISG). This lets the new G63 put out an additional 20hp and 200Nm for a short burst.
In terms of performance, the AMG G63 accelerates to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds as the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission providing ultra quick shifts, while top speed is rated at 220km/h. The top speed goes up to 240km/h with the optional AMG Performance Package.
All that bulk is kept in check with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with active, hydraulic roll stabilisation and adaptive adjustable damping.
In terms of design, the new G63 is distinguished by the new AMG-specific radiator shell and large air inlet grille in the front bumper. The AMG Night Package on the other hand adds sporty, expressive design elements in black or dark chrome.
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook has introduced measures to phase out natural gas (NGV) for vehicles in Malaysia, marking a shift in vehicle fuel standards. Starting from 1 July 2025, vehicles powered by NGV will no longer be eligible for registration in the country, and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) will gradually cease NGV sales at its stations from the same date.
In his statement, Loke highlighted safety concerns as the primary motivation, noting that there are currently around 44,383 NGV vehicles in Malaysia, representing a mere 0.2% of the total fleet, excluding motorcycles. Many of these vehicles are dual-fuel models equipped with NGV kits installed between 1995 and 2014, with NGV tanks nearing their 15-year safe usage limit. Loke further mentioned that some car owners have modified vehicles to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, posing significant risks, as these have caused explosions during accidents.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has recalled 3,722 vehicles, including specific models of Perodua Alza and Aruz cars, as well as Honda CB350R motorcycles. JPJ Director General Aedy Fadly Ramli stated the action was taken due to headlight height discrepancies on 2,518 Perodua Alza models (1500 X CVT, 1500 H CVT, and 1500 AV CVT) and 1,139 Perodua Aruz models (1500 X and 1500 AV), which did not meet regulatory specifications.
For the Honda CB350RS motorcycle, 65 units have been recalled due to issues with the wheel speed sensor, affecting the accuracy of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), traction control, and speedometer readings.
The Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police Department (JSPT KL) has announced a special 50 percent discount on traffic summons, available from 5 to 9 November 2024. This initiative, shared on JSPT KL’s official Facebook page, aims to encourage timely payment of fines while promoting cashless transactions.
The discount applies to all types of traffic fines, except those in specific categories. Excluded offences are as follows:
Accident-related summons
Court hearing summons
Non-compoundable (N/C) offences
Dangerous queue-cutting
Use of the emergency lane
Ignoring red light signals
Heavy vehicle/truck-related offenses
Vehicle exhaust modifications
Summons issued under ‘Safe Op’ status
Double-line overtaking violations
Payments can be made daily between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, exclusively at the Tun H.S. Lee Traffic Police Station.
The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued 35 summonses to express and tourist bus drivers in a focused enforcement operation at Juru and Sungai Dua Toll Plazas early today. The violations involved drivers who failed to have a required second driver on routes over 300km or exceeded the maximum four-hour continuous driving limit.
Running from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., the special operation engaged 20 JPJ personnel and aimed to monitor compliance with road safety regulations. Alongside the summonses, Penang JPJ identified additional offences, such as failure to update driver logbooks, insufficient vehicle maintenance, and technical infractions.
TC Subaru Sdn. Bhd., the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, has announced its participation in this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur, to be held at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from 8 to 10 November 2024. In an event at APW Bangsar, Subaru’s dealers, partners, media, and fans were treated to an exclusive preview of the “Kuala Lumpur Edition” Subaru BRZ and Subaru WRX, featuring a special livery by Motorsport Playground and a limited-edition streetwear line by Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC).
Inspired by a cultural fusion of Japanese engineering and Malaysian heritage, the livery created by Motorsport Playground brings an artistic twist to the Subaru BRZ and WRX. The design integrates Malaysia’s iconic Songket patterns with intricate geometric shapes and rich symbolism, transforming these high-performance vehicles into vibrant symbols of tradition and modernity. The livery also features the Malaysian national flower, Bunga Raya, in place of the usual Sakura motifs, infusing the design with local pride.
The collaborative project extends beyond the vehicles, with PMC unveiling an exclusive streetwear collection that mirrors this cultural blend. Each piece in the line embodies the precision of Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary Malaysian design, offering a unique style that resonates with both motorsport fans and fashion enthusiasts.
In a further showcase of performance, Subaru took on a thrilling time attack challenge at the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit. The Subaru BRZ and WRX, under the expert preparation of TD Racing, completed the circuit with impressive times: the Subaru BRZ with manual transmission finished in 02:42:211, while the WRX with CVT clocked in at 02:43:472, driven by professional racer Freddie Ang.
Subaru’s presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur will celebrate innovation, performance, and cultural fusion. The “Kuala Lumpur Edition” vehicles and PMC’s streetwear collection will be available for sale from 8 to 10 November 2024 at MITEC, offering fans a chance to own a piece of this unique collaboration.
Proton has unveiled its new S70 R3 race car for the upcoming 2024 Sepang 1000KM (S1K) endurance race, hosted at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit. This addition to Proton’s racing portfolio will compete with two cars, each driven by a pair of seasoned and promising drivers.
Driver Line-up
Car #81: Piloted by Syafiq Ali, a three-time S1K winner, and Fahrizal Hasan, known for his multiple victories in the Sepang 12 Hours endurance race.
Car #82: Driven by two emerging talents, Ariff Azmi, an 18-year-old karting and touring car champion, and Alister Yoong, a 21-year-old Formula 4 racer and son of former F1 driver Alex Yoong.
The East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project has reached a pivotal milestone with the successful early penetration of the Gombak Tunnel, completed a month ahead of schedule. According to Berita Harian, the breakthrough of this 959-meter tunnel was achieved with a final blast that removed the remaining 38-meter barrier from the entrance, marking significant progress in one of Malaysia’s largest infrastructure projects.
With a combined effort of 5.8 million man-hours, the ECRL team used advanced drilling and blasting techniques to tackle the tunnel’s challenging weathered granite. Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Rail Link (MRL), expressed pride in the accomplishment, attributing it to both the advanced methods and the relentless dedication of the team. He noted that the Gombak Tunnel’s completion is critical to achieving the targeted December 2026 completion date for the full ECRL route from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal.
