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Jetour Launches Local Assembly Operations in Malaysia, Signalling Strong Commitment to ASEAN Growth

Jetour Auto Malaysia has officially launched local assembly for its popular SUV models, the Jetour Dashing and VT9, at the Berjaya Assembly Sdn. Bhd. (B-Assembly) plant in Tampoi, Johor Bahru. The commencement of production at this facility marks a major milestone in the company’s regional strategy and reflects its deepening commitment to the Malaysian automotive industry.

The local assembly takes place within B-Assembly’s expansive 640,000 square foot manufacturing site, supported by a dedicated workforce of over 100 staff. This operation positions Malaysia not only as a key production base but also as a strategic distribution centre for Jetour’s ASEAN operations. The initiative is closely aligned with the Malaysian government’s vision for a more localised, technologically advanced, and job-generating automotive sector.

Jetour International’s Vice President, Wen Qiangkang, described the development as a vital step in the brand’s long-term investment in Malaysia. He explained that assembling the Dashing and VT9 domestically represents more than just a manufacturing expansion — it is also a strategic investment in local talent, innovation, and future mobility.

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JPJ Issues Over 1,100 Summonses in Nationwide Bus Seat Belt Crackdown

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has taken firm action against non-compliance with seat belt regulations, issuing a total of 1,194 summonses to both bus drivers and passengers across the country since the launch of its Special Operation on Seat Belt Usage on 1 July.

According to Bernama, JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli stated that the majority of offences were committed by passengers, who accounted for 1,108 of the total summonses. Bus drivers received 62 summonses, while another 24 cases involved vehicles that had not been equipped with seat belts as required by law.

Despite numerous reminders, many of those caught without seat belts attempted to justify their actions by claiming ignorance of the regulations or stating that they were unaware of the enforcement being formally gazetted. Aedy Fadly firmly dismissed such explanations, pointing out that investigations showed most bus companies had either announced the requirement verbally or displayed signage urging passengers to fasten their seat belts.

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Ferrari 849 Testarossa Trademark Filing Sparks Speculation of Modern Revival

Ferrari’s victory in reclaiming the legal rights to the iconic “Testarossa” name appears to be more than a symbolic gesture, as the Italian marque has swiftly moved to trademark the name “Ferrari 849 Testarossa” in Iceland. The filing, discovered less than a month after the conclusion of a protracted legal battle in Europe, suggests the legendary moniker may soon be revived on a new model—potentially as part of Ferrari’s ultra-limited Icona Series.

The trademark registration follows a recent decision by the European Union General Court, which overturned the European Intellectual Property Office’s earlier ruling that the Testarossa trademark was no longer valid due to alleged inactivity. The court sided with Ferrari, affirming that activities such as selling spare parts, licensing the name, and producing scale models constituted legitimate use, allowing Ferrari to reassert global control over one of its most storied badges.

The “849” prefix attached to the newly filed name aligns with Ferrari’s contemporary model naming convention, seen in vehicles like the 812 Superfast and 296 GTB. While the exact significance of “849” remains unclear, it has fuelled widespread speculation that Maranello could be preparing to unveil a successor to the original Testarossa—one of the most recognisable and revered Ferraris of the 1980s and 1990s.

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Mitsubishi Marks Full Exit from China’s Auto Manufacturing Amid EV Industry Overhaul

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has formally ended its decades-long manufacturing involvement in China by dissolving its joint venture with Shenyang Aerospace Mit. Engine Mfg. Ltd., marking the final step in its withdrawal from the Chinese automotive sector. The move follows the cessation of Mitsubishi’s local vehicle production in 2023 and is being seen as a strategic response to the sweeping transformation of China’s car industry, now heavily dominated by electric vehicles (EVs).

The joint venture, Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi, was established in August 1997 and had played a central role in Mitsubishi’s operations in China. The engine plant, which began production in 1998, manufactured powertrains for both Mitsubishi’s own models and a wide range of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers. However, on 2 July 2025, the entity was officially rebranded as Shenyang Guoqing Power Technology Co., Ltd., following the exit of Mitsubishi Motors and Mitsubishi Corporation as shareholders.

In announcing its exit, Mitsubishi Motors cited the accelerated transformation of China’s automotive landscape, particularly its rapid adoption of electrified vehicles, as the key reason for its strategic pullout. The company signalled that this decision was part of a broader reassessment of its regional business focus.

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Hyundai Motor Posts Record Quarterly Revenue Despite Dip in Profits

Hyundai Motor Company has reported a record-breaking revenue performance for the second quarter of 2025, despite experiencing declines in both operating and net profit as global competition intensifies and trade pressures mount.

For the April–June period, the South Korean carmaker recorded revenue of RM159.35 billion, marking a 7.3% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. This stands as Hyundai’s highest-ever quarterly revenue to date, reflecting strong global demand for its popular SUV and hybrid models.

However, the surge in revenue was not mirrored in profitability. Operating profit fell by 15.8% year-on-year to RM11.89 billion, while net profit slipped by 22.1% to RM10.73 billion, inclusive of non-controlling interests. The company attributed the downturn to rising incentives amid stiffening industry rivalry, alongside persistent headwinds in the global trade environment.

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Leapmotor B01 Electric Sedan Debuts in China with 650km Range

Leapmotor has officially launched its all-electric B01 sedan in China, introducing a highly competitive model across six variants that combine aerodynamic efficiency, modern electric powertrains, and advanced driver assistance features. The B01 offers three range options—430 km, 550 km, and 650 km (CLTC standard)—and caters to different performance and tech expectations at prices starting from just RM58,900.

The variant line-up includes the 430 Comfort Edition priced at 89,800 yuan (approximately RM58,900), 550 Comfort at 95,800 yuan (RM62,900), 550 Enjoy at 103,800 yuan (RM68,100), and 550 LiDAR Edition at 113,800 yuan (RM74,700). The longer-range 650 Enjoy Edition comes in at 109,800 yuan (RM72,100), while the flagship 650 LiDAR Edition tops the list at 119,800 yuan (RM78,700).

Built on the manufacturer’s LEAP 3.5 modular platform, the B01 boasts a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.197 Cd. In terms of size, it measures 4,770 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm—positioning it closely alongside the Tesla Model 3 in the mid-size electric sedan segment. Depending on the trim, the curb weight ranges from 1,550 kg to 1,711 kg.

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