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Malaysia Auto-Market Ranks Second in Southeast Asia, Surpassing Thailand

The automotive market landscape in Southeast Asia is witnessing significant shifts, with Malaysia emerging as the region’s second-largest auto market, surpassing Thailand and trailing only behind Indonesia. This transformation underscores Malaysia’s growing importance in the automotive sector, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s automotive industry dynamics.

Data compiled by sources reveals that Malaysia’s auto sales figures have consistently outpaced those of Thailand for three consecutive quarters through January-March 2024. The Malaysian Automotive Association reports a 5% increase in auto sales in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching 202,245 vehicles. This growth follows an impressive 11% surge in 2023, setting a record of 799,731 vehicles sold.

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GAC Motor Cyberjaya Open For Business – GAC GS3 Emzoom Roadshow

Evo Cartech Sdn. Bhd., an authorised dealer of GAC vehicles in Cyberjaya, officially opens its operations today, unveiling a 4,434-square-foot showroom located in the heart of the city centre. As part of the GAC Motor dealership network in Malaysia, the newly opened showroom will showcase GAC Motor’s latest lineup of automotive products, beginning with the compact SUV GAC GS3 Emzoom. This model will be available for public viewing and test drives starting from the opening day.

Distributed in Malaysia by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn. Bhd., the newly introduced GAC GS3 Emzoom SUV boasts a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 177PS and 270Nm of torque. Its striking design is complemented by advanced technology features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) safety features.

From May 16 to 19, visitors can experience the GAC GS3 Emzoom at the GAC Cyberjaya showroom, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. For further details, interested individuals can visit facebook.com/GACMotorCyberjaya.

Hyundai Malaysia’s Official Instagram Account Compromised

Hyundai Malaysia has issued a statement announcing the compromise of its official Instagram account, @hyundaimy_official. The breach occurred on May 14, 2024, at approximately 6:40 PM. The company has swiftly responded by collaborating with Meta, the parent company of Instagram, to rectify the situation and regain control of the account.

In light of the compromise, Hyundai Malaysia has advised its followers and the wider social media community to exercise caution. They have specifically cautioned against interacting with any posts, messages, or links originating from the compromised account, @hyundaimy_official.

As a precautionary measure, Hyundai Malaysia has opted to communicate official updates and announcements solely through alternative social media channels. These include the official Hyundai Malaysia Facebook account, “Hyundai Malaysia,” and the LinkedIn account of “Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn. Bhd.”

The company reassures its followers that efforts are underway to resolve the issue promptly. Updates regarding the progress of account recovery and any further developments will be communicated in due course.

LRT Collision Lawsuit Trial Dates Confirmed for January 2028

Florence Lee, who filed a lawsuit after sustaining severe injuries in an LRT train collision near the Kampung Baru station in Kuala Lumpur three years ago, will have to wait until January 2028 for the case to proceed to trial.

According to FMT, at a case management session in the Kuala Lumpur High Court last week, Justice Shahrir Salleh scheduled trial dates from Jan 10 to 13, 2028.

Lee’s lawsuit, initiated in December last year, names Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, the owner and operator of the LRT system, as defendants. She alleges negligence and breaches of statutory duty by the defendants, seeking to recover RM113,524.08 in special damages, including medical expenses and general damages.

The collision, occurring on May 24, 2021, along the Kelana Jaya line, resulted in physical and mental injuries to Lee, including nervous shock, mental depression, pain, suffering, and loss of amenities, from which she claims she has been unable to fully recover.

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Counterfeit Windshields Worth RM140,200 Confiscated in Raids

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) conducted raids on four premises in Petaling Jaya and Kepong on May 9th, resulting in the seizure of 153 vehicle windshields suspected to be counterfeit.

Datuk Azman Adam, the Director-General of Enforcement at KPDN, revealed that the raids were prompted by complaints from registered trademark owners and initial investigations. Further scrutiny of the premises uncovered the suspected counterfeit vehicle windshields, allegedly bearing trademarks improperly under the Trademarks Act 2019.

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2025 BYD Shark Set to Hit Australian Showrooms By End of the Year

The BYD Shark has been officially unveiled, marking its arrival in Australia by the end of this year. This introduction also signifies the debut of the first plug-in hybrid pickup truck in Australian showrooms.

Promising a fuel consumption rate of 7.5 litres per 100km in hybrid mode and an electric driving range of up to 100km, the Shark boasts more power and quicker acceleration with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.7 seconds in hybrid mode.

The Shark, larger than a Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux but smaller than a Ford F-150, utilises ladder-frame underpinnings akin to its counterparts, with a braked towing capacity of 2500kg. Distinguishing itself, it incorporates passenger vehicle-like independent rear suspension alongside independent front suspension, which could enhance off-road performance but potentially reduce performance when laden.

Equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors, the Shark generates a combined power output of more than 430hp. It boasts a plug-in battery pack that delivers up to 100km of electric driving range or fuel consumption of 7.5L/100km in hybrid mode, offering a total driving range of 840km (NEDC).

Notably, the Shark features “the world’s first longitudinal electric hybrid system,” driving all four wheels with electric motors, while the petrol engine directly powers the front wheels. The hybrid system prioritises electric motor propulsion for up to 80 per cent of total journeys.

With a claimed recharge time of 20 minutes from 30 to 80 per cent, the battery pack supports vehicle-to-load technology, enabling the Shark to power external electrical devices while camping.

Measuring 5457mm long, 1971mm wide, and 1925mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3260mm, the Shark offers a payload of up to 835kg and a braked towing capacity of 2500kg. Its 1450-litre tray volume and high-strength steel construction underscore its practicality and durability.

Interior features include a rotating 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite navigation, and a 10.25-inch instrument display. Advanced safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

With its advanced technology, robust construction, and comprehensive features, the 2025 BYD Shark ute is poised to make a significant impact in Australian showrooms upon its arrival later this year.