The automotive world has had a busy and electrifying week. From high-octane reveals at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 to major international debuts, the past few days delivered exciting developments for car lovers, EV advocates, and industry watchers alike.
Here’s your quickfire roundup of all the biggest headlines you may have missed:
MALAYSIA MARKET ROUNDUP
🚗 Malaysia Autoshow 2025: A Spectacle of Speed and Innovation
Held from May 9 to 15, the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 wrapped up after drawing over 200,000 visitors. The 7-day event saw key launches from both local and international brands, as well as futuristic concepts and electric vehicles that hint at what’s next for the market.
Key highlights:
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Proton: Unveiled the e.MAS 5, a smaller electric SUV set to launch in Q4 2025.
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Perodua: Showcased a near-production prototype EV, expected to be priced under RM 100,000.
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Jetour: Debuted the VT9 SUV and previewed the T2 and eVT5.
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Audi: Rolled out the Q7 CKD S-Line 3.0 TFSI quattro, priced at RM 482,422.
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GWM: Launched the Tank 500 hybrid SUV, priced at RM 328,800.
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Zeekr: Previewed the 7X electric SUV and 009 Executive MPV.
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Jaecoo | Omoda: Unveiled new branding and previewed the Omoda C7 PHEV.
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Chery: Introduced the Tiggo Cross hybrid SUV, promising 19 km/l efficiency.
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Smart: Debuted the #5 SUV and #1 BRABUS Limited Edition.
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Wuling: Previewed the compact Bingo electric SUV.
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Volkswagen: Introduced Wolfsburg Editions of the Arteon, Tiguan, and Golf GTI.
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GAC & Aion: Showcased the M8 PHEV MPV and upcoming EVs.
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iCAUR: Debuted in Malaysia with the 03, 03T, and V23 EVs.
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BMW & MINI: BMW revealed the 330Li M Sport, MINI showcased new JCW and Cooper Convertible models.
Two-wheeler highlights included:
BMW R1300 GS | Royal Enfield Bear 650 | Modenas MEV series | Kawasaki H2SX SE | Honda CB1000 SP | Vespa Sprint Tech | Yamaha XMax/TMax Tech Max | Zontes 368 series | Lambretta Series II
⚡ Honda e:N1 Electric SUV Launched in Malaysia
Honda’s first EV for Malaysia, the e:N1, is now available as a CBU from China, priced at RM 149,900. It offers:
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204 PS / 310 Nm
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68.8 kWh battery
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Up to 412 km WLTP range
⚡ MG S5 EV Launch Confirmed for May 20
Following its MAS preview, MG will officially launch the S5 EV on May 20, available in:
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Two variants (Com & Lux)
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Two battery options (49 kWh for 340 km, 62 kWh for 430 km)
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Estimated pricing around RM 115,000
🛠️ Stellantis Launches Eurorepar Parts & Services in Malaysia
At Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2025, Stellantis introduced:
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Eurorepar multi-brand aftermarket parts (17,000+ references)
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Eurorepar Car Service network (already in 30+ countries)
🔁 Proton Launches Xchange Scrappage Programme
Proton’s Xchange Programme supports vehicle scrappage by offering:
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RM 2,000 rebate on new Proton cars (incl. e.MAS 7)
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Open to all brands for cars 15+ years old
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Done in partnership with Car Medic Sdn Bhd
🔌 PRO-NET & Shell Recharge Collaborate on EV Charging
Through this tie-up, smart and Proton EV users can:
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Locate & pay at Shell Recharge stations
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Use the Hello smart and Proton e.MAS apps for seamless EV charging
🌍 INTERNATIONAL MARKET UPDATES
📉 Nissan Unveils Bold “Re:Nissan” Turnaround Plan
To bounce back by FY2026, Nissan’s strategy includes:
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JPY 500 billion in cost savings (≈ RM 14 billion)
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20,000 job cuts
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Factory count reduced from 17 to 10
🌲 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland EV Goes Wild
Toyota’s toughest EV yet debuts in the US with:
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375 PS AWD
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418 km range
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Towing capacity: 1,588 kg
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All-terrain tyres & 210 mm clearance
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Launching in 2026
🇹🇭 Chery to Co-Create National BEV Brand in Thailand
Chery and the Thai government will:
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Establish a BEV facility in Rayong (50,000 units/year)
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Focus on local tech & part suppliers
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Target both domestic and export markets
🍏 Aston Martin Rolls Out Apple CarPlay Ultra
Aston Martin becomes first in the world to integrate Apple CarPlay Ultra, extending iOS-like UI to:
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Centre touchscreen
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Digital instrument cluster
Available in: DBX, DB12, Vantage, Vanquish
