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Proton Ends November with Strong Sales

Proton had a strong month in November, selling 13,451 cars in Malaysia and overseas. This brings the total for the year so far to 143,322 units. This number is 3.6% higher than the same period last year, meaning Proton is almost guaranteed to finish the year with sales growth.

This success is happening even though Malaysia’s overall car market is slightly down by 0.9%. For November, Proton is expected to hold an 18.4% market share, and 19.7% for the whole year so far. This keeps Proton as the second best-selling car brand in the country.

Saga, X50 and S70 Continue to Lead

The Proton Saga was the best-selling model again in November with 6,931 units. Its total for the year is now 66,038 units. Despite Proton switching to the new Saga, sales stayed strong because the factory is speeding up production. More than 30,000 bookings have already been made for the new model.

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Kia Sets Out to Rebuild Its Presence in Malaysia Under a New Principal-Led Structure

Kia is preparing for a significant new chapter in Malaysia as Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM) steps forward as a fully principal-led entity, aiming to reintroduce the brand with clearer direction, stronger support and a far more polished customer experience. The company is taking on local scepticism directly, encouraging Malaysians to reassess the brand with a simple question in mind: why Kia?

KSM’s President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim, has stressed that the company is not racing to be the fastest-growing name in the industry. Instead, the mission is to build steady, long-term progress while prioritising the needs of customers, dealers and the broader Malaysian market. The shift to a direct model, effective from 1 January 2026, means KSM now commands all aspects of the brand locally—from marketing and sales to after-sales and training—allowing it to present Kia’s identity without the limitations of a third-party distributor.

Managing Director Emily Lek explained that operating as a standalone entity gives the brand full control over its messaging and direction. She described this as an exciting return, noting that Kia now has the systems, strategy and freedom to deliver what she considers the brand’s true experience.

Malaysia remains a vital hub for the region, with the Kia Asia Pacific headquarters based here. The APAC office functions as the strategic centre for operations across 33 markets including ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, overseeing six subsidiaries—among them Kia Sales Malaysia and the manufacturing arm, Kia Malaysia.

In 2024, the APAC region accounted for retail sales exceeding 165,000 vehicles, representing a 3.4% market share. With more than 100 staff, the headquarters continues to generate skilled job opportunities, drawing on Malaysia’s talent pool.

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Leapmotor B10 Arrives in Malaysia with a Starting Price of RM107,800!

Stellantis Malaysia has introduced the Leapmotor B10 to the local market, marking another strategic push into the electric SUV segment. The model arrives not long after the C10 and builds on the global partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor International, a joint venture aimed at distributing advanced and cost-efficient EVs across more than 20 countries by the end of next year. Its arrival coincides with a strong period for the brand, which recently crossed its one-million-unit milestone and reported more than 70,000 deliveries in November alone.

Two versions of the B10 are available at launch, known as LIFE and DESIGN, and the differences begin with the battery packs. The LIFE runs on a 56.2 kWh unit, while the DESIGN variant carries a larger 67.1 kWh pack. Both cars support an 11 kW on-board charger with matching AC charging capability. Their DC performance varies, however, with the LIFE accepting up to 140 kW and the DESIGN topping out at 168 kW.

This allows a 30% to 80% recharge to be completed in under 20 minutes. The driving range reflects the size difference: the LIFE variant manages 361km on the WLTP cycle, while the DESIGN stretches this to 434km WLTP. Both also come with a 3.3 kW V2L output, enabling the vehicle to power external devices when needed.

The B10 sits on the new LEAP3.5 platform, which fuses the battery pack into the chassis as one integrated structure. Developed with the help of Stellantis’ Chassis Master division, the Cell-to-Chassis 2.0+ approach gives the SUV a low centre of gravity, a well-balanced 50:50 weight distribution and a torsional rigidity rating of 36,360 Nm per degree. These ingredients help deliver a more settled and composed driving experience.

A compact 60 kg Electric Drive assembly contributes to a total weight reduction of over 20 kg and operates at 94% efficiency with a power density of 2.67 kW per kilogram. The setup includes an LFP battery and an AI-assisted motor management system designed to maintain long-term health, safety and performance.

Power comes from a 218hp unit producing 240Nm of torque, giving the B10 a 0–100 km/h time of around eight seconds. The 400-volt fast-charging system, operating at 2.5C, enables swift recharging, and the WLTP range of up to 434km makes it a practical option for everyday use. The thermal management system uses liquid cooling for the battery and oil cooling for the motor, ensuring consistent performance in Malaysia’s high heat and humidity.

Visually, the B10 adopts a clean, modern design language. The body features smooth surfacing, a distinctive cloud-like waistline and fenders shaped to resemble a planetary ring. Split LED headlamps sit below chequered daytime running lights, and frameless door handles help the SUV achieve a drag coefficient of 0.265. A full-width Wing Star LED taillight bar defines the rear. The SUV measures 4,515 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width and 1,655 mm in height, with a 2,735 mm wheelbase and 170 mm ground clearance.

The cabin centres around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, paired with up to 16 GB of RAM and an Adreno 640 GPU. A 14.6-inch display running Leap OS 4.0 Plus takes care of infotainment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support scheduled for January 2026. An 8.8-inch instrument panel, 360-degree camera suite and remote app-based controls come standard.

Cabin space measures 2,390 mm, with good headroom and thoughtfully selected materials. The DESIGN variant adds silicone textile upholstery certified to OEKO-Tex Standard 100 and detailed stitching work. Both front seats are power adjustable and ventilated, while the floating centre console offers wireless charging and abundant storage. A total of 22 storage compartments are located around the cabin. Boot space is rated at 430 litres, expandable to 1,700 litres with the seats folded, alongside an additional 25-litre frunk.

Safety has been a strong area for the B10, earning a 5-star Euro NCAP rating with 93% scores for adult and child protection. Seven airbags are fitted as standard, backed by Level 2 driver assistance that includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring, automatic emergency braking, Blind Spot Detection, Traffic Jam Assist and fatigue monitoring, all powered by 12 sensors and 17 active systems.

The B10 is offered in two trims: the LIFE variant priced at RM107,800 and the DESIGN at RM118,800, each with its own interior theme. Early adopters—limited to the first 200 buyers—will receive launch rebates of up to RM8,000 for the LIFE and RM9,000 for the DESIGN. Colour choices include Metallic Black, Light White, Tundra Grey, Dawn Purple and Starry Night Blue, the latter inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhone.

The SUV is covered by a six-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty, with service intervals set at 20,000 km or one year. By combining strong engineering credentials with competitive pricing and modern features, the Leapmotor B10 enters Malaysia as a confident new entry in the electric SUV market—positioning itself as a serious contender in a rapidly expanding segment.

Millions Rush to Clear Old Traffic Fines as Deadline Looms

Millions of motorists are racing against time as authorities tighten the net on long-standing traffic summonses, warning that those who continue to ignore them after the year-end cut-off could face serious consequences ranging from blacklisting to the loss of fuel subsidies.

The scale of unpaid fines is enormous: the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is still chasing 4.95 million unsettled summonses valued at RM1.48 billion, while police records show almost RM6.6 billion worth of unpaid tickets stretching back years.

The repercussions go far beyond the usual inconvenience of being blocked from renewing road tax or a driving licence. Because the Budi95 petrol subsidy is linked to a valid licence, motorists who continue to sidestep their obligations risk losing the financial assistance entirely.

Discounts of between 50% and 70% have been offered since November in an attempt to entice motorists to clear their backlog, but the grace period ends on 31 December. After that, a new “pay fast, pay less” system will kick in on 1 January 2026, imposing heavier penalties the longer a summons remains unpaid.

According to The Star, JPJ director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli revealed that only a small fraction of the outstanding tickets had been settled since the concession began. Just over 362,000 summonses, amounting to RM47.85 million, were paid off between 1 November and last Monday — a mere seven per cent of the total.

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BYD Marks Three Years in Malaysia With 25,000 EVs on the Road

BYD Sime Motors is celebrating its third year as Malaysia’s leading electric vehicle brand, a milestone marked by more than 25,000 BYD cars now driving on Malaysian roads. The company views this achievement not just as a sales figure but as a reflection of 25,000 Malaysian families who are contributing to cleaner mobility. BYD owners collectively help cut over 62,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year, a reduction comparable to planting nearly 2.5 million trees—enough to form a green ring around Malaysia several times over. It is a remarkable indication of how quickly the shift towards electric mobility has taken hold.

The brand currently offers the largest full-electric range in the country. Seven models have been introduced so far, led by the BYD Atto 3, which continues to dominate the competitive C-segment SUV market. The range expanded in 2025 with the arrival of the Atto 2, the Seal 6 and an updated version of the Seal. The variety now spans entry-level options right up to premium models, covering sedans, SUVs and MPVs, giving Malaysian consumers one of the most diverse EV line-ups available.

Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, described the anniversary as a moment the company takes pride in. He noted that having more than 25,000 Malaysians choose BYD shows just how quickly the public is embracing electric vehicles, and he credited this growth to the brand’s focus on cleaner, smarter and safer technology. He also acknowledged the strong trust and support Malaysians have shown towards the brand, saying it motivates BYD to continue introducing better products and innovations.

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Nissan Introduces the Sixth-Generation Serena in Malaysia with a New e-POWER System

Since its debut in Japan in the 1990s, the Nissan Serena has built a strong reputation in the mid-sized MPV segment. It is known for its ease of use, flexible interior, and dependable performance, qualities that have made it a long-standing favourite among Malaysian buyers. The Serena’s focus on practicality and efficiency has helped it remain one of the most respected and best-selling MPVs in the country.

Malaysia first saw a hybrid Serena in 2013 with the C26 Serena S-Hybrid, which introduced fuel-saving technology alongside a cleverly designed cabin suitable for daily family needs. This was followed by the C27 Serena S-Hybrid, which expanded on the formula with advanced safety technology and user-friendly features that strengthened its appeal among families.

The arrival of the sixth-generation C28 Serena marks another major shift. The All-New Serena e-POWER moves to a fully electric motor-driven setup, aiming to deliver a level of performance and refinement not usually found in this segment. The change signals Nissan’s intention to push the boundaries of what a family MPV can offer.

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Proton Shows First Plug-in Hybrid, the e.MAS 7 PHEV

Proton has shown its first plug-in hybrid car, called the e.MAS 7 PHEV, at the Proton Tech Showcase in Shah Alam. The car is not for sale yet, but this preview shows that Proton is getting ready to enter the plug-in hybrid market for the first time.

The e.MAS 7 PHEV is the Malaysian version of the Geely Starray EM-i, a model sold in China. It shares many parts with its fully electric twin, the e.MAS 7. The test car shown to the public has Proton’s large tiger logo on the front and on the glass panels.

The car uses a 1.5-litre engine made by Geely. For hybrid use, the engine was changed to make it more fuel-efficient. It uses the Atkinson cycle, has simpler parts, and includes a special EGR system to reduce fuel use. The engine also never stops charging the battery unless the wheels need extra help.

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Proton Opens Its Doors for a Closer Look at Its Technologies, Offers Sneak Peek Of Its Upcoming 2026 Model

Proton has opened its Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam to the public for a three-day Proton Technology Showcase, turning the usually quiet headquarters into a hub of discussion, demonstrations and early previews of the brand’s next phase of development. The event was officiated by Proton’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Li Chunrong, together with Deputy CEO, Dato’ Abdul Rashid Musa, who both highlighted that the showcase reflects how far the company has progressed under the partnership between DRB-HICOM and Geely.

Visitors are being given rare access to the engineering work taking place behind the scenes, with a wide range of displays covering electrification, intelligent connectivity and next-generation powertrains. The centrepieces include the GMA platform, Proton’s Short Blade Battery technology and the brand’s latest plug-in hybrid engine and transmission. ACO Tech is also present with demonstrations of its augmented reality and artificial intelligence systems, offering a glimpse of how Proton will integrate smarter connectivity into future vehicles.

Proton has brought along its full line-up, ranging from the X50 to the new e.MAS 5 and the latest Proton Saga, but the main pull for many is the appearance of a model set to be launched in early 2026, shown publicly for the first time. Proton also surprised visitors by revealing the upcoming Proton eMas 7 PHEV for its first official public appearance, marking an important addition to the company’s expanding electrified range.

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Two Lucky Winners Walk Away With Brand New Hondas!

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Honda Malaysia organised a campaign to give away a Honda City Hatchback RS as well as a Honda WR-V RS.

And the winners were announced today (4th December, 2025) and the cars handed over during a special appreciation event.

The lucky winner of the Honda City Hatchback RS, one Mr Chin Boon Hao took part in the campaign after purchasing a brand new Honda Civic.

The winner of the new Honda WR-V RS on the other hand is one Ms Avis Ou Xiao Qian from Sarawak. She took part in the contest after purchasing a new Honda CR-V.

The Honda City Hatchback RS as well as the WR-V RS are among the six grand prizes offered in conjunction with Honda Malaysia’s 25th anniversary “Because of You” campaign lucky draw.

The other grand prizes are the Honda City RS, Civic RS, New HR-V, Honda CR-V e:HEV RS as well as Honda Insurance Plus rebates.

The contest mechanism involves collecting points by either test driving a new Honda or registering any new Honda model. The more entries collected, the higher the chances of winning a Honda model.

Two winners will be announced each month on Honda Malaysia’s official Facebook page and through its dealer network.

Honda Malaysia was established in the year 2000 as a joint venture between Honda Motor Company Ltd (Japan), Oriental Holdings Berhad and DRB Hicom.

In 2003, local assembly began at the company’s plant in Pagoh, Melaka with the second generation Honda CRV being the first Malaysian assembled Honda.

Naza Italia Begins Exit from Maserati Distributorship as Group Shifts Strategy

Naza Italia Sdn Bhd has formally notified Maserati S.p.A. that it will withdraw from its role as the official importer and distributor of Maserati vehicles in Malaysia, bringing an end to a partnership that has been in place for more than 15 years.

The notice, submitted in line with the 180-day requirement under the agreement signed on 1 January 2009, marks the beginning of a structured transition period.

As Naza Automotive Group moves towards this handover, Naza Italia said it will honour every obligation outlined in the agreement, ensuring that the next six months proceed without disruption for customers or partners.

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