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GWM Malaysia is preparing to introduce the high-performance Ora 03 (Good Cat) GT to the Malaysian market, following its recent appearance at Auto Shanghai 2025. The sportier and more dynamic version of the popular Good Cat signals GWM’s continued push into the electric vehicle (EV) sector, with the company confirming that bookings will open soon and deliveries are expected in the coming months.

The Ora Good Cat GT made a strong impression following its successful debut in Thailand and is set to bring a heightened level of excitement to Malaysia’s EV landscape. GWM Malaysia sees the launch as a crucial step in strengthening its electrification strategy and expanding its growing range of electric models in the country. Although pricing and full specifications have yet to be announced, expectations are high for the new model to appeal to design-conscious and performance-oriented buyers.

With an emphasis on sportier styling and enhanced performance, the Ora Good Cat GT departs significantly from the standard model. The exterior design features a striking black and yellow dual-tone finish, complemented by carbon-fibre-style accents that give the vehicle a more aggressive appearance. Larger 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with distinctive yellow brake callipers and revised front and rear bumpers further reinforce its athletic stance.

Inside the cabin, the Good Cat GT has been upgraded with premium Alcantara upholstery and GT-branded sports seats, aiming to deliver a more dynamic and premium driving experience. Performance improvements are also notable, with the GT variant delivering 169hp and 250Nm of torque, a significant boost over the standard model’s 141hp output. The model is powered by a 57.7 kWh battery, offering an estimated range of 460km based on the NEDC testing cycle. While this figure is slightly lower than that of the regular Good Cat, the reduction is attributed to the model’s sportier tuning and performance upgrades.

Positioned to compete against rivals such as the BYD Dolphin and MG 4 EV, the Ora Good Cat GT seeks to differentiate itself with its distinctive design and youthful appeal. GWM Malaysia believes the model’s unique combination of sporty aesthetics and enhanced driving performance will allow it to carve a strong niche in the increasingly competitive Malaysian EV market.

Further announcements regarding pricing, detailed specifications, and test drive opportunities are expected in the near future. The Ora Good Cat GT is poised to become one of the year’s most anticipated electric vehicle launches, strengthening GWM’s presence and influence in Malaysia’s rapidly evolving automotive sector.

Continental has announced that it will discontinue tyre manufacturing operations at its Alor Setar plant in Malaysia by the end of 2025, following a comprehensive business review aimed at safeguarding its competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

The Alor Setar facility, which employs approximately 950 people, currently produces passenger car and light truck tyres for the Asia-Pacific market, as well as motorcycle tyres. The company stated that its priority is to support affected employees by offering career counselling and exploring potential employment opportunities both within and outside of Continental.

The decision to close the plant reflects Continental’s strategy to adapt to evolving customer demand, optimise its local product portfolio, and strengthen its manufacturing footprint. Despite the closure, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the Malaysian market, emphasising that long-standing relationships with customers and partners remain central to its operations.

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Isuzu Malaysia has appointed Mr Tomoyuki Yamaguchi as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 24 April 2025, succeeding Mr Shunsuke Okazoe, who has returned to Japan to assume the role of Vice President, Japan Sales Division at Isuzu Motors Ltd.

With nearly three decades of experience within Isuzu Motors, Mr Yamaguchi brings a wealth of international expertise to his new role. A graduate of Toyo University, he joined the company in 1997 and began his career in the International Operations Department, managing markets such as Russia and Ukraine. His extensive work across the CIS countries and South-West Asia was later complemented by a leadership stint in South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in revitalising Isuzu’s commercial vehicle business.

Upon his arrival in Malaysia, Mr Yamaguchi expressed admiration for the maturity and growth of Isuzu Malaysia, which has achieved a strong market presence within just two decades of incorporation. He commended the company’s loyal customer base and its reputation for delivering durable and capable vehicles.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) and authorised dealer Millennium Autohaus Sdn Bhd have officially opened a new Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) in Kajang, further strengthening the brand’s footprint in the Klang Valley. This latest development brings the number of Mitsubishi 3S centres in the region to 19, underlining the company’s commitment to growth and customer service excellence.

The new showroom is strategically located at Lot 1872A, Jalan Semenyih, Kajang 43500, Selangor, and is well-positioned to serve the growing customer base in Kajang and its surrounding areas. Set on a 15,800 square-foot plot of land, the 9,600 square-foot facility is designed to provide a comprehensive Mitsubishi brand experience, combining both sales and after-sales services under one roof for enhanced convenience.

According to Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Shinya Ikeda, the opening of the new outlet in Kajang is a reflection of MMM’s ongoing partnership with Millennium Autohaus and their shared dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Ikeda stated that the launch not only strengthens the brand’s presence across the Klang Valley but also affirms Mitsubishi’s focus on meeting customer expectations at every stage of vehicle ownership.

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd expanded its Gazoo Racing family today with the launch of two new performance models — the GR Supra Track Edition and the GR Yaris Automatic Variant. Both vehicles brought motorsport engineering and rally-honed capabilities to public roads, further strengthening Toyota’s commitment to delivering exhilarating, driver-centric experiences.

The GR Supra Track Edition continued the brand’s proud four-decade legacy, offering sharper handling, refined chassis control, and purposeful, track-ready styling. Meanwhile, the GR Yaris Automatic Variant introduced a newly developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, broadening the reach of the GR brand to a wider range of enthusiasts without sacrificing its competitive motorsport heritage.

The GR Supra Track Edition stood as the flagship of Toyota’s GR lineup, evolving into an even more focused machine through a series of comprehensive upgrades. Powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 388PS and 500Nm of torque, the model was available with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Acceleration figures confirmed its potency, with the automatic variant achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while the manual version managed the sprint in 4.3 seconds.

Beyond its raw power, the GR Supra Track Edition benefited from significant chassis enhancements. The Adaptive Variable Suspension system was retuned for superior grip, while the Electric Power Steering and Limited Slip Differential received exclusive control mapping for sharper feedback and increased stability at high speeds. Larger 374 mm front brake discs paired with four-piston Brembo callipers provided robust and consistent braking under heavy loads.

Aerodynamic improvements included expanded tyre spats, aero flaps, and a carbon fibre ducktail spoiler, all contributing to greater downforce. Reinforced front control arms, enhanced front negative camber adjustment, stiffened stabiliser bars, and upgraded bushings further refined agility and responsiveness.

The model rode on lightweight 19-inch matte black forged alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, engineered to reduce unsprung mass and optimise handling performance. The interior, designed to complement the car’s dynamic nature, featured black Alcantara and leather upholstery with GR embroidery, red seatbelts, and a distinctive red-ring shift knob for manual variants. A 12-speaker JBL HiFi surround system and a full-colour Head-Up Display ensured an immersive driving experience.

Safety remained paramount, with the GR Supra Track Edition equipped with Toyota Supra Safety, which included Pre-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and intelligent parking sensors with Emergency Braking Support. The GR Supra Track Edition was priced from RM698,000.00.

Alongside it, the GR Yaris Automatic Variant made its debut, marking a significant milestone for the rally-inspired model first launched in 2021. Building on the momentum from the recently introduced facelifted manual variant, the automatic version brought enhanced accessibility without diluting the core performance ethos of the GR brand.

Developed with insights from the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission delivered remarkably swift and precise gear shifts. Unlike conventional automatics that reacted primarily to vehicle movement, this system was engineered to anticipate driver intent, creating a more connected and intuitive driving experience.

The GR Yaris Automatic Variant retained its 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine — the most powerful of its kind — producing 300PS and 400Nm of torque. It could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. To maintain consistent performance in Malaysia’s demanding climate, the automatic variant came fitted with a standard cooling package, including a sub radiator, an intercooler spray, and a combined water-cooled and air-cooled ATF cooler.

New to the variant was the introduction of Launch Control, designed to optimise engine torque and traction for more aggressive, controlled take-offs. This feature worked in tandem with the newly developed automatic transmission and motorsport-calibrated paddle shifters to deliver a rally-inspired driving experience during everyday use.

Safety technologies were not overlooked. The GR Yaris Automatic Variant featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering enhanced Pre-Collision Systems, Lane Tracing Assist, Radar Cruise Control, and Expert Mode, providing seasoned drivers with greater dynamic control without entirely disengaging the vehicle’s stability systems. The GR Yaris Automatic Variant was priced at RM325,600.00.

Both the GR Supra Track Edition and GR Yaris Automatic Variant were now available through GR Garage dealerships nationwide, complete with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and comprehensive aftersales support. GR Garage outlets also stocked a full range of performance parts, GR merchandise, and customer services tailored for performance car enthusiasts.

UMW Toyota Motor reaffirmed that mobility was not solely about speed but about inclusivity and community. Through the introduction of the GR Yaris Automatic and GR Supra Track Edition, Toyota aimed to expand the accessibility of passion-driven motoring experiences. These models symbolised more than engineering achievement; they represented an invitation to join a vibrant community bound by a shared love for driving excellence.

By building vehicles that stirred emotion and cultivated confidence, Toyota was not merely moving people — it was forging communities that inspired one another to strive forward.

On its journey toward the Neue Klasse era, the BMW Group presented the innovations of its next-generation vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2025.

“Innovative strength, a pioneering spirit, and sheer driving pleasure — these traits are deeply rooted in BMW’s DNA,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “With the Neue Klasse, our customers experience them on an entirely new level: a more intuitive user interface, even more progressive design, and a driving experience that is more precise and dynamic than ever. By the end of this year, we will put the mobility of the future on the road.”

At the heart of BMW’s presentation were two key innovations: the BMW Panoramic iDrive smart display and operating system, and the lightning-fast Heart of Joy central computer.

BMW introduced the Panoramic iDrive in a version developed specifically for the Chinese market. In collaboration with local technology partners, BMW tailored its Operating System X to Chinese users, offering exclusive digital functions available only in China.

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