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Concept cars used to be fanciful models created by carmakers to dazzle visitors at motorshows. They had amazing technologies and features but a lot was also for show as it was either to complex or too expensive to put into production models. These days though, concept cars serve to preview the next generation of models and much of the technology shown is already under development.

With the Inception Concept presented by Peugeot at CES 2023 (the Consumer Electronics Show), the French carmaker is giving a preview of what its future models in the electric era will be like, and what advanced features they will have.

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For all the difficulties in getting parts, especially microprocessors, that the auto industry faced in 2022, it was certainly a great year with the Total Industry Volume (TIV) expected to be over 700,000 units when the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) announces the full year sales results soon.

While the two Malaysian carmakers continued to dominate the market, the bestselling non-Malaysian brand was Toyota, with 100,042 vehicles delivered during the year. While some may be confused as we reported on Honda being the No.1 brand, the difference is that Honda was No.1 in passenger vehicle sales alone – excluding pick-up trucks and commercial vehicles which it does not sell.

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In the 1950s, carmakers displayed futuristic concept cars with amazing features that were expected to be available eventually – and many of those features are commonplace today. With the BMW i Vision Dee concept, the German carmaker is also showing the sort of technological features that can be expected in its cars – as early as 2025 in the NEUE KLASSE models.

NEUE KLASSE is a brand new platform for fully electric models which will appear from 2025. It represents the third phase of the carmaker’s electrification strategy. The platform’s name is inspired by the ‘Neue Klasse’ of the 1960s, when a new range of models was introduced between 1962 and 1977. The 21st century NEUE KLASSE is, however, more than a vehicle platform as it encompasses new software architecture and promotes sustainability.

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Back in 2020, at the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony displayed a concept car which was assumed to be just for the purpose of showing off its latest technologies. There was no indication the company wanted to start making cars as well and after the event, nothing more was heard. But during the 12 months until the next show – and it should be remembered the world was going through the COVID-19 pandemic – Sony actually had a running prototype and by CES 2021, it showed a short video of a car – known as Vision-S – being tested on public roads and on a test track in Austria.

At CES 2022, Sony revealed a SUV prototype as a second model and it became clear that the company, better known for its electronic devices, was moving into the mobility business. However, it sought a partner with automotive experience and that partner was Honda. The companies announced a joint-venture company called Sony Honda Mobility Inc (SHM) which would ‘engage in the joint development and sales of high value-added battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and commercialize them in conjunction with providing mobility services’.

“SHM strives to become a Mobility Tech Company that will pursue innovation in mobility by combining cutting-edge technology and passion along with people who pioneer the future with their creativity, based on our corporate purpose ‘Move people, through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations’,” said Yasuhide Mizuno, CEO of Sony Honda Mobility (incidentally, Mr. Mizuno was a former Managing Director/CEO of Honda Malaysia 12 years ago).

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While we await the official data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) for the sales and production of new motor vehicles in 2022, some of the companies are already announcing their numbers. Among them is Honda Malaysia which reports that it delivered more than 80,200 units during the year, more than the target of 80,000 units that it had set. This was a 51% increase over the previous year’s sales volume.

The achievement keeps Honda in the No.1 position in the non-national passenger car segment (which excludes pick-up trucks and commercial vehicles) for the ninth consecutive year since 2014. During the year, the brand also recorded its highest ever sales in Malaysia with more than 10,500 units delivered nationwide.

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Although Volkswagen began selling its ID. range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2020 and 5 models to date, none of them is a sedan. The first was a hatchback (ID.3), followed by three crossover SUVs (ID.4, ID.5 and ID.6) and one MPV/minivan (ID.Buzz). During the second quarter of this year, the range will get its first sedan which is designated the ID.7. The sedan will be offered in the three primary markets of China, Europe and North America.

The model is being previewed this week at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, USA, but like the ID.4 and ID.Buzz when they were first previewed before launch, the ID.7 also has camouflage that is somewhat unique.

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