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smart Malaysia Launches EV Roadshow at Aeon Tebrau

smart Malaysia has kicked off its smart Tour Roadshow at Aeon Tebrau, offering the public a chance to experience the brand’s innovative electric vehicles (EVs). Running from November 13 to 17, the event celebrates smart’s anniversary and showcases the latest EV models, the smart #1 and smart #3, alongside exclusive promotions.

The roadshow, hosted at the Center Court of Aeon Tebrau, operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can explore the advanced features of smart’s vehicles and engage with the Hello smart app, a digital tool designed to enhance EV ownership by locating charging stations and managing vehicle functions.

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Proton Expands Global Presence with New CKD Plant in Egypt

Malaysian carmaker Proton has taken a significant step toward international expansion with the inauguration of a new completely knocked-down (CKD) plant to assemble the Proton Saga in Cairo, Egypt. The ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, during his official visit to the country.

Prominent figures present at the event included H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, and YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Egyptian and Malaysian officials, including H.E. Mr Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr, Ambassador of Egypt to Malaysia, also participated alongside business leaders from both nations.

Strategic Investment in Al Oula Industrial Park

The new CKD facility is located in the Al Oula Industrial Park, Giza, and is operated by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF)—a joint venture between Ezz Elarab and Elsewedy Capital Holding. The plant represents an investment of USD35 million and has a production capacity of 20,000 units per shift. Once fully operational, it is expected to employ up to 400 people.

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Malaysia Targets 20% EV Sales by 2030 Amid Growing Adoption and Infrastructure Expansion

The Malaysian government has set an ambitious target for electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 20% of annual new vehicle sales by 2030, encompassing both passenger and commercial categories. As of September 2024, EV sales have reached 5.11% of the total annual volume, a notable increase from 4.12% recorded for the entirety of 2023.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reported that the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has grown significantly in recent years. Total BEV sales stood at 15,876 units in 2024 and 13,513 units in 2023, a sharp rise compared to 3,146 units sold in 2020.

Efforts to Build a Strong EV Ecosystem

MITI credited the improved numbers to the collaborative efforts between government ministries, agencies, and industry players. Before 2018, the EV market in Malaysia was minimal, with limited adoption and infrastructure.

To support the sector’s growth, the government has rolled out a series of initiatives, including:

Tax exemptions for imported completely built-up (CBU) EVs until the end of 2025.
Full exemptions on import duty, excise, and sales tax for locally assembled EVs until December 2027.
A commitment to establish 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide by 2025.
Full tax relief for BEVs from 2022 to 2025.

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East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) Progress Update: Phase One and Two Completion Dates Announced

The Ministry of Transport has announced key updates on the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project, a major infrastructure development connecting the Klang Valley to Malaysia’s East Coast.

Completion Timeline

Phase One (Kota Bharu to Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal): Scheduled for completion by 31 December 2026.
Phase Two (Gombak to Port Klang): Targeted for completion by 31 December 2027.

Long-Term Feasibility Study

The ministry confirmed the completion of a feasibility study assessing the types of goods anticipated to be transported via the ECRL over its 30-year service life. Key findings include:

Significant increases in the delivery of commodities such as automotive products, coal, petrochemicals, palm oil, and others.
Projections for cargo transportation will be supported by specialised wagons, including flat wagons, open-top wagons, and box wagons.
Custom station designs ensuring durability and safety to accommodate these cargo types.

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Lalamove Enters Ride-Hailing Market with New Service in Klang Valley

Delivery platform Lalamove has officially expanded its offerings with the launch of Lalamove Ride, a ride-hailing service integrated into its existing app. This move positions the company as a challenger to established industry players like Grab and other e-hailing competitors.

Announced through its blog and social media channels, Lalamove Ride allows users to switch seamlessly between its delivery and ride-hailing services. Customers can now book rides directly through the app by selecting the “Ride” tab, entering their destination, and choosing their pick-up time.

The new service, currently exclusive to Klang Valley, aims to offer a familiar, reliable experience to Lalamove’s existing customer base. “If you’re familiar with Lalamove’s faster and cost-effective delivery service, it’s time to explore our latest offering,” the company shared in its announcement.

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Neta Facing Financial Instability

Neta, an electric vehicle (EV) brand under Hozon Auto, appears to be facing mounting challenges, as reported by Chinese media and Electrive. These difficulties span from declining sales to halted production, financial instability, and reduced social media activity by the company’s leadership.

Key Issues Highlighted:

Declining Sales Figures:
- October deliveries are estimated at only 4,500 vehicles, marking a 40% drop compared to September.
- Cumulative deliveries from January to September totalled 53,853 vehicles, making it improbable for Neta to achieve its ambitious 200,000-unit annual target.

Production Halts and Workforce Issues:
- Production at Neta’s Tongxiang factory in Zhejiang, which mainly manufactures the Neta L electric SUV, has reportedly been suspended for weeks.
- Employee salaries have been cut or delayed, raising concerns about workforce morale and stability.
- Suppliers are allegedly owed payments, further straining operational continuity.

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Latest News

smart Malaysia Launches EV Roadshow at Aeon Tebrau

Proton Expands Global Presence with New CKD Plant in Egypt

Malaysia Targets 20% EV Sales by 2030 Amid Growing Adoption and Infrastructure Expansion

Efforts to Build a Strong EV Ecosystem

East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) Progress Update: Phase One and Two Completion Dates Announced

Completion Timeline

Long-Term Feasibility Study

Lalamove Enters Ride-Hailing Market with New Service in Klang Valley

Neta Facing Financial Instability

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