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We just witnessed the global unveiling of the Omoda 3, a sporty-looking compact crossover that will be positioned below the Omoda 5 and Omoda 7. Depending on the market, the crossover may also be called the Omoda C3, similar to how the Omoda 5 and 7 are referred to as the C5 and C7, respectively.

As you can see from its striking and angular design, the Omoda 3 is clearly aimed at younger buyers, as stated by brand director Roy Xie. In fact, the car was designed by a team of designers with an average age of just 28 years.

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We have seen the Jaecoo J5, a compact SUV aimed at the ever-competitive segment populated by the likes of Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross and the Proton X50. This time, however, at the Auto Shanghai 2025 we are looking at the Jaecoo J5 EV, the fully-electric version capable of up to 470km driving range.

The zero-emissions version gets a slightly different look compared to the regular petrol sibling, especially from the front. The waterfall grille is gone, replaced by a transparent strip connecting the two LED headlights, with “JAECOO” lettering. Lower down at the bumper, there are some perforated body panels and intakes with square pins. Overall, the J5 EV has a cleaner look compared to the J5.

By the side, you don’t get the blacked-out A-pillars like on the bigger J7, but you do however, still get a floating roof effect with the blacked-out D-pillars. There’s also conventional door handles rather than flush pop-out ones, and you get a full-width tail-light strip, a rear spoiler, and a plastic diffuser.

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In a concerted effort to bolster electric vehicle (EV) adoption and support Malaysia’s transition to low-carbon mobility, BYD Sime Motors has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Transport (MOT). This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions through the wider use of EVs in both public and private sectors.

The “Jom Pandu BYD Bersama MOT” initiative is a six-month programme designed to offer Ministry personnel an immersive EV driving experience. Backed by Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd—a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd—two EV chargers have been installed at the MOT headquarters in Putrajaya to support the campaign.

At the official launch ceremony held at the Ministry’s complex, the partnership was inaugurated by Transport Minister YB Loke Siew Fook and Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Sime Motors. They were joined by Deputy Transport Minister YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Habibollah, MOT Secretary General YBhg. Dato’ Jana Santhiran Muniayan, General Manager of BYD Sime Motors Adeline Lew, and Izuan Hafiz, Head of Green Mobility MY-SG at Gentari.

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Geely has displayed its latest petrol-electric hybrid SUV, the Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i, at Auto Shanghai 2025, marking the public appearance of a model that could soon carry Proton branding in Malaysia as the e.MAS 7 PHEV.

Positioned as a hybrid counterpart to the fully electric Galaxy E5—sold in Malaysia as the Proton e.MAS 7—the Galaxy Starship 7 introduces Geely’s second-generation NordThor 2.0 plug-in hybrid system. This new powertrain is a refined version of the EM-P system also used by Lynk & Co and incorporates significant enhancements in efficiency and performance.

In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy Starship 7 measures 4,740mm in length, 1,905mm in width and 1,685mm in height, with a 2,755mm wheelbase. These figures make it marginally larger than the Galaxy E5.

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Following its appearance at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, the Geely Xingyuan—also known under the Geome sub-brand—has made its way to China’s premier automotive event, Auto Shanghai 2025. Displayed alongside Geely’s high-tech Galaxy Cruiser SUV prototype, the compact electric vehicle (EV) has reignited speculation about its potential rebadging and entry into the Malaysian market under the Proton badge as the e.MAS 5.

If confirmed, the Xingyuan would become the second model in Proton’s e.MAS series, complementing the larger e.MAS 7 that has already been introduced in Malaysia. While official announcements remain pending, industry watchers note that the Xingyuan’s compact dimensions and urban-friendly electric powertrain make it an ideal fit for markets such as Malaysia, where demand for affordable, efficient electric mobility is growing.

In China, the Xingyuan is offered with two electric powertrains, both using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by CATL. Fast-charging capabilities allow for a 30% to 80% charge in just 21 minutes. The entry-level variant comes equipped with a 30.12 kWh battery, offering a range of 310km under the Chinese Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), and is paired with a rear-mounted motor delivering 79PS and 130Nm of torque. The higher-end model features a larger 40.16 kWh battery that stretches the range to 410km, along with a more powerful 116PS, 150Nm electric motor. Both versions include a deep front trunk—or ‘frunk’—enhancing cargo versatility.

Five variants are currently offered in the Chinese domestic market. Standard and optional features include 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED lighting, a large 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (or a smaller 10.1-inch unit in base trims), 256-colour ambient lighting, either a four- or six-speaker audio system, and an external 3.3 kW power outlet for accessory charging. Comfort and convenience features span from manual to powered front seats, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 50W wireless phone charger with air-cooling. Comprehensive advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also available, underlining the model’s emphasis on safety and smart technology.

Sized for the urban commuter, the Xingyuan is noticeably more compact than its e.MAS 7 sibling. It measures 4,135 mm in length and 1,805 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm—figures that position it firmly in the B-segment crossover category.

With growing anticipation surrounding its potential localisation, the question remains whether this small electric hatch will arrive in Malaysia bearing the Proton badge.

A few months ago, Geely offered a glimpse into the future of alternative fuel technology with winter testing of a cutting-edge super sedan powered by a methanol engine. Based on the Binrui Cool platform, this prototype replaces the traditional BHE15-EFZ petrol engine with the experimental DHE20TDM diesel unit, designed to run on M100 (100% methanol) fuel.

The innovative car made a public appearance at Auto Shanghai 2025, giving visitors an up-close look at what could be the next evolution in renewable energy for high-performance cars.

Geely’s methanol prototype delivers a thermal efficiency of 46%—a figure that rivals the best in internal combustion technology—alongside an impressive 15:1 compression ratio. It produces 250hp and a peak torque of 400Nm.

Most notably, despite being a high-performance concept vehicle, this methanol-fueled engine meets China’s stringent China VI-B emissions standards, which are equivalent to the Euro 6d regulations in Europe. This highlights methanol’s potential as a clean-burning alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Geely is not just experimenting with green power for the road. The company has announced plans to launch the Super Cup Pro racing series in 2026, featuring a monocup format with identical methanol-powered race cars. This initiative underlines Geely’s belief that motorsport can lead the transition to renewable energy, proving that speed and sustainability can coexist.

Looking ahead, Geely envisions methanol as a viable fuel for commercial transportation. The company is developing a hybrid concept that combines methanol-fueled internal combustion engines with electric drivetrains, potentially offering a clean and efficient alternative to conventional diesel-powered vehicles.

To support this vision, Geely is planning to build a methanol production facility in Inner Mongolia, capable of producing 50,000 tons annually. This significant infrastructure investment reaffirms the company’s long-term commitment to alcohol-based fuels—a journey that began in 2005 under the leadership of Chairman Li Shufu, who continues to champion this technology as a key part of Geely’s sustainability strategy.

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