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Proton e.MAS 7 Leads EV Market with 1,853 Deliveries in Q1 2025

PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has announced a significant milestone for its electric SUV, the Proton e.MAS 7, which recorded 1,853 cumulative deliveries in the first quarter of 2025. With 797 units delivered in March alone, the vehicle is estimated to hold a commanding 30% share of the Malaysian EV market, securing its position as the nation’s top-selling electric vehicle.

According to PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang, the achievement reflects the growing trust and enthusiasm among Malaysian consumers for Proton’s electrification journey. He stated that customer confidence in both the e.MAS 7 and the broader EV ecosystem Proton is building have been instrumental to this success. He also acknowledged the role of dealers and partners in establishing a comprehensive support infrastructure for EV adoption, adding that the company is committed to continuous improvement in quality and ownership experience.

Accessible, Feature-Rich, and Designed for Malaysians

The Proton e.MAS 7 has gained traction among Malaysian buyers thanks to its competitive pricing and array of advanced features. Priced from RM105,800 for the Prime variant and RM119,800 for the Premium, the e.MAS 7 offers exceptional value for those seeking sustainable mobility without compromising on comfort or safety.

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Chinese Tyre Manufacturer Under Investigation for Alleged Smuggling and Mislabelling in Thailand

A Chinese tyre manufacturer operating in Thailand is under official investigation following allegations of smuggling substandard tyres into the country, altering them, and fraudulently labelling them as newly produced products for both local sale and export.

According to an Industry Ministry official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, the company in question had been granted investment privileges to manufacture vehicle tyres in Thailand using imported raw materials from China. Despite this, the company is reported to employ only Chinese workers at its Thai facility.

Authorities were alerted through tip-offs alleging that defective tyres, which had failed to meet safety and quality standards in China, were being smuggled into Thailand. These tyres were reportedly stripped of their original brand logos and rebranded before being released into the Thai market or prepared for export.

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift to Reshape AMG Lineup with New C53 Model Likely to Replace C43 and C63

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly preparing to overhaul its AMG offerings for the C-Class as part of an upcoming mid-cycle facelift, with plans to retire both the C43 and C63 variants. Industry insiders suggest that a new model, expected to be named the AMG C53, will take their place as the brand repositions its performance sedans for a new era.

According to sources familiar with the automaker’s product strategy, the C53 will likely adopt a six-cylinder powertrain, representing a significant departure from the current C63, which uses a highly electrified four-cylinder engine. The rumored new model is said to employ a version of the M256M inline-six engine, enhanced with mild-hybrid technology but without a plug-in hybrid system. This change suggests that Mercedes-AMG could be shifting away from complex electrified setups in favor of a more traditional performance configuration.

Speculation about the C53’s power output places it between the current AMG C43 and C63 models. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, expectations point to an engine delivering more than the 416 horsepower of the C43, but less than the 671hp offered by the plug-in hybrid C63. Comparisons are being drawn to the CLE53, which utilizes the same engine and delivers around 443hp. Analysts anticipate a similar figure for the upcoming C53, which would position it competitively in the performance sedan segment.

Mercedes-Benz officials have previously indicated to Motor1 that the V8 engine will not return to the C-Class platform, confirming the end of an era for traditional AMG powertrains in this segment. While some company executives had earlier expressed confidence in the electrified four-cylinder’s potential, its reception among enthusiasts has been lukewarm. This has led to heavy discounting in key markets such as Germany and the United States, signaling a disconnect between product positioning and consumer demand.

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Hyundai Pushes Back Against Touchscreen Overload, Returns to Physical Controls

In a time when the automotive industry increasingly leans into digital interfaces, Hyundai is taking a measured stance against the overuse of touchscreen technology in modern car interiors. While many automakers continue to integrate oversized screens in place of traditional tactile controls, Hyundai has signaled a renewed focus on driver ergonomics and safety.

The company has acknowledged growing consumer frustration over the excessive reliance on digital displays, noting that an over-dependence on touchscreens can lead to driver distraction and discomfort. According to Hyundai’s Senior Vice President of Design, Simon Loasby, the automaker intends to retain physical buttons for frequently used features to ensure safer and more intuitive control for drivers.

Loasby explained that future Hyundai interiors are being developed with an emphasis on minimising visual distraction. The priority, he said, is to keep drivers’ attention at eye level rather than on central displays. By preserving certain physical controls, Hyundai aims to leverage drivers’ muscle memory, enabling adjustments without diverting their gaze from the road.

The move comes amid increasing criticism of touchscreen-heavy designs, which many argue prioritise aesthetic minimalism and manufacturing efficiency over user experience and safety. Hyundai’s leadership appears to share these concerns. Luc Donckerwolke, the company’s Chief Creative Officer, stated that large displays often serve as a cost-saving measure, reducing the need for tooling and physical components. However, he acknowledged that consumers still appreciate and desire analog interactions.

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Govt Mulls AI-Based System to Combat Fatal Potholes

The government is considering the adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven road monitoring system to curb pothole-related accidents, following renewed concerns over road safety and infrastructure maintenance.

According to NST, the proposed system, tabled by road safety expert Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, would incorporate scanning technology, inspection drones, and a public feedback platform via a dedicated mobile app to identify and address road defects more efficiently.

Professor Law said the AI system would use smart algorithms to analyse data, predict high-risk zones, and prioritise repairs based on damage severity. “The collected information would be displayed on a central dashboard accessible to authorities and concessionaires, with automatic alerts to ensure prompt action and greater accountability,” he explained.

The call for urgent reform follows a recent fatal accident in Kuantan, where a motorcyclist lost his life after skidding into a pothole on the Kuantan–Cherok Paloh road. Just weeks earlier, a similar incident in Kluang, Johor, claimed the lives of two school-going siblings.

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Honda Malaysia Appoints Narushi Yazaki as New Managing Director and CEO

Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Narushi Yazaki as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, who has helmed the company for the past three years.

Mr. Yazaki brings over 25 years of global experience within Honda, having held senior leadership roles in Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Prior to his Malaysian posting, he was with the Corporate Administration Operations division at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.

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