Local News Archives

HAVAL H6 HEV Enters ASEAN Records with Fuel Endurance Achievement – 1,242km on a Single Tank

GWM Malaysia has officially secured a place in the ASEAN Records following an extraordinary real-world performance by the HAVAL H6 HEV, which demonstrated exceptional fuel endurance by travelling over 1,000km on a single tank. This landmark achievement was made possible through a nationwide challenge involving 38 verified owners, all of whom exceeded the 1,000km mark under normal driving conditions.

The most impressive feat came from one participant who recorded a distance of 1,242km on a single refuelling — a benchmark that now stands as the longest distance travelled by a hybrid SUV in the ASEAN region without additional fuel. The challenge was designed to reflect genuine daily usage rather than controlled, optimised conditions, making the results all the more impactful.

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VIOS Challenge to Make International Debut at SUPER GT Malaysia Return in 2025

Malaysia’s premier saloon car racing series, the VIOS Challenge, is set to make a landmark appearance on the international stage during the return of the AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series to Malaysian soil after a 12-year absence. The event, to be held from 26 to 28 June 2025 at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit, will see UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia (TGR) take on the role of Title Sponsor.

Anticipation is high, with organisers expecting over 40,000 spectators and a worldwide audience exceeding 162 million viewers across broadcast and digital platforms. The return of SUPER GT to Malaysia marks a significant moment in the nation’s motorsport calendar, now enhanced by the inclusion of the VIOS Challenge as a feature race.

The VIOS Challenge, entering its eighth season, has been a mainstay of local grassroots racing and will adopt a revised one-hour endurance format for this international appearance, doubling its usual 30-minute sprint duration. The race will unfold on the full 5.543-kilometre Sepang circuit and is open to three classes of competitors: the Super Sporting category for professional racers, the Sporting class for amateurs, and the Rookie class comprising young drivers from Toyota’s developmental ranks.

Five rookies from the Toyota GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Programme, launched in 2021, will represent the next generation of Malaysian racing prospects. Since its inception, the programme has produced 22 graduates, with over 10 active in local competitions and four already making their mark internationally with wins and championship titles.

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Thrills Return to Sepang as Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Returns to Malaysia

The roar of high-performance engines echoed once more across the PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit as Porsche Malaysia, under the stewardship of Sime Darby Auto Performance, welcomed the return of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) to Malaysian soil with Rounds 5, 6, and 7 of the 2025 season.

This year’s Malaysian leg marks a pivotal midpoint in the championship calendar and delivers a potent mix of speed and spectacle, featuring two days of blistering sprint races and the much-anticipated return of the endurance format. The series, now in its 22nd season, continues to stand as Asia’s premier one-make racing competition, renowned for its tight competition and pure racing ethos, where every driver competes in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) machinery.

Sime Darby Auto Performance, representing Porsche in Malaysia, underscored the event’s significance by reaffirming its long-standing support for motorsport talent and culture. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Hunter, highlighted that the Carrera Cup Asia is not merely a competitive series but a celebration of motorsport’s enduring spirit, adding that the brand remains committed to nurturing both real-world and virtual racers throughout the region.

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Proton Expands Global EV Footprint with Launch of e.MAS 7 in Trinidad and Tobago

Proton has officially launched its first electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7, in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the model’s second international entry following its debut in Nepal three months ago. This move further strengthens the company’s push into the global EV market and highlights its growing presence in the Caribbean region.

Introduced in Malaysia in December 2023, the e.MAS 7 has quickly become Proton’s third most exported model, following the popular Proton Saga and Proton X50. The launch ceremony, held in the capital city of Port of Spain, was presided over by Jean-Marc Mouttet, Sector Head of ANSA Motors Limited, and Alexander Sabga, General Manager of New Business Development at ANSA MCAL Ltd. ANSA Motors has been Proton’s official distributor in Trinidad and Tobago since 2013.

To complement the launch, ANSA Motors unveiled a newly constructed electric vehicle showroom at The City of Grand Bazaar. The facility has been designed to offer an immersive and educational experience, allowing customers to familiarise themselves with EV technology and receive tailored after-sales support. This investment underscores ANSA’s commitment to supporting EV ownership and promoting sustainable mobility across the country.

The arrival of the e.MAS 7 follows the successful introduction of the Proton X50 and X90 in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023. With a total of 481 Proton vehicles now exported to the nation, comprising 271 units of the X50, 141 units of the X90, and 44 units of the Saga, the Malaysian automaker continues to solidify its presence in this Caribbean market of approximately 1.4 million people.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Crowned Malaysia’s Fastest-Selling EV in Record Time

Just five months after beginning deliveries in January, the Proton e.MAS 7 has become Malaysia’s fastest-selling electric vehicle, registering 3,632 units sold as of 31 May 2025. Of this figure, 3,399 units were delivered locally, while 233 units were exported, cementing the e.MAS 7’s position as the country’s top-selling EV model this year.

This milestone arrives as Proton’s EV division, PRO-NET, marks the first anniversary of the e.MAS brand. Officially unveiled on 12 June 2024, Proton e.MAS made its market debut with the e.MAS 7 on 16 December of the same year. Since then, the model has rapidly risen to prominence, outpacing competitors and redefining consumer expectations in Malaysia’s burgeoning electric vehicle sector.

Despite the wider market grappling with pricing volatility and cost pressures, the e.MAS 7’s consistent sales performance stands as a testament to Proton’s trusted brand legacy and commitment to quality.

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Sime Motors Unveils Landmark Denza Showroom on Old Klang Road

Sime Motors has marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new flagship Denza showroom, a purpose-built facility dedicated to delivering an elevated automotive retail experience. Situated prominently along Old Klang Road, the showroom is designed to set new standards in luxury, innovation, and customer engagement.

Spanning over 8,000 square feet, the state-of-the-art facility houses six display vehicles, a refined customer lounge, and five advanced service bays. The showroom’s design reflects Sime Motors’ ambition to merge cutting-edge technology with premium service, establishing a benchmark for automotive retail spaces in Malaysia.

To commemorate the launch, Sime Motors hosted an exclusive Gala Night that formally introduced the Denza Sime Motors showroom to invited guests. The event featured high-end entertainment, gourmet cuisine, and an unveiling ceremony, offering a preview of the sophisticated customer experience the new showroom aims to deliver.

According to Sime Motors’ Managing Director for Southeast Asia, Jeffrey Gan, the showroom is not merely a sales centre, but a manifestation of the company’s vision for future mobility. It embodies a commitment to integrating modern design, forward-thinking technology, and superior hospitality into a single, seamless experience for every visitor.

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Proton Posts Strong Sales Growth in May, Led by SUV and EV Performance

Proton Holdings Bhd recorded a robust performance in May 2025, with total sales, including domestic, export, smart, and Proton e.MAS vehicles, reaching 13,328 units. This figure represents a 6.1% increase compared to May 2024, and marks the third consecutive month of sales growth for the national carmaker.

Between March and May, Proton experienced a year-on-year growth of 10%, pushing year-to-date (YTD) sales to 61,087 units. Market share for the month is projected at 19.2%, with the same percentage forecasted for the YTD share, based on an estimated Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 69,495 units.

Key contributors to this upward trajectory included the Proton X50 and X70, both of which have sustained strong demand following the launch of their updated variants last year. Export sales surged by 36.6% over 2024 figures, while Proton’s flagship electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7, continued to lead EV sales in Malaysia for a fifth straight month, achieving a new milestone by surpassing 900 units sold in May.

Across Proton’s model range, May emerged as the second-best sales month in 2025, bolstered by nationwide promotional campaigns that stimulated consumer interest. The Proton X70 recorded the highest growth rate among individual models, with sales increasing by 44% to 982 units. This placed the C-segment SUV 53.1% ahead of its YTD sales from the previous year, a trend Proton expects to sustain throughout the remainder of 2025.

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Full Enforcement of Vehicle Entry Permit for Singaporean Vehicles Begins 1 July

Starting 1 July, all vehicles from Singapore entering Malaysia by land must display a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP), as the Malaysian government moves from an advisory phase into full enforcement of the regulation.

According to The Star, the announcement was made by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who confirmed that from this date onwards, any foreign-registered vehicle found entering Malaysia without a VEP will be fined in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1987. The penalty, set at RM300, applies to both private and company-owned vehicles, and offenders will not be allowed to exit the country without settling the fine and completing the necessary registration process.

The VEP system, initially introduced in October last year, was rolled out with a soft enforcement approach focused on public awareness. Since its launch, no fines have been issued during this preliminary phase. However, the government will now transition to active enforcement under Section 66H(7) of the Road Transport Act, which makes it an offence to drive a foreign-registered vehicle in Malaysia without a valid permit.

Each VEP is issued in the form of an RFID tag linked to a Touch ‘n Go eWallet account. The registration process can be completed via the official portal at vep.jpj.gov.my, with the RFID tag itself costing RM10 and a service fee of RM30 for collection through appointed agents. Vehicle owners may either collect their RFID tag from the VEP Tag Collection Centre in Danga Bay, Johor, or opt for delivery by post.

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Registrations Now Open for Malaysia’s Largest Padel Tournament

The Volvo Padel Open is set to return in 2025 with its most ambitious edition yet, promising a larger prize pool, expanded competition categories, and enhanced participant experience. The tournament, recognised as the largest of its kind in Malaysia, will run from 21 June to 27 July 2025, with registration now officially open.

Organised in collaboration with three prominent padel venues in the Klang Valley – Joy Division Padel, Padelground, and PadelKu – this year’s tournament will accommodate up to 320 players. Competitors will vie for a share of prizes exceeding RM180,000 in value, including cash, merchandise, complimentary court hours, and an exclusive week-long experience in a fully-electric Volvo vehicle.

The registration window closes on 3 July 2025, with a one-off entry fee of RM160 per person or RM320 per team. In a show of appreciation to its customers, Volvo is offering a 50% discount on individual registration fees for Volvo vehicle owners.

Acknowledging the rising calibre of local players, the 2025 edition introduces three refined competition categories – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced – aimed at accommodating both seasoned competitors and those new to the sport. The Beginner category will now feature an “americano” format during the qualifying rounds, enabling individual players to partner with multiple teammates in a rotation system. Points are earned through each match, and the top 16 male and female scorers will move on to the semifinals, which are divided into men’s and women’s divisions.

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Brabus Opens Flagship Showroom in TTDI, 900 Rocket R Introduced

High-performance automotive tuning house Brabus has officially brought its beast, the Brabus 900 Rocket R, to Malaysian shores, following the opening of its new flagship showroom at Hamawangsa Automall, TTDI. The unveiling marks a significant milestone for Brabus Malaysia, as it introduces one of the most extreme interpretations of the Porsche 911 Turbo S ever seen.

For those unfamiliar, Brabus has long been synonymous with high-powered customisations, most notably for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. However, the 900 Rocket R, first introduced in 2023, represents the company’s journey into enhancing Porsche’s iconic 911 Turbo S — a car already known for its formidable performance.

While the stock 911 Turbo S delivers 640hp and achieves 0–100 km/h in 2.7 seconds with a top speed of 330 km/h, Brabus has turned the dial up significantly. At the heart of the 900 Rocket R lies a 3.8-litre flat-six engine, equipped with two bespoke high-performance turbochargers, pushing total output to a staggering 900hp. The result is blistering acceleration — 0–100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds, and 0–200 km/h in a mere 7.2 seconds.

To ensure this power is matched by control, the Rocket R is fitted with a Brabus-developed sports suspension system, featuring fully adjustable Brabus coilover springs and shock absorbers, engineered to deliver razor-sharp handling at high speeds.

Visually, the 900 Rocket R makes a commanding impression with its 22-inch front and 21-inch rear Brabus Monoblock P “Platinum Edition” wheels, which complement the aggressive Widestar body kit. The full exterior package, built extensively from carbon fibre, includes a redesigned front lip spoiler, aerodynamically functional wheel arch vents, and a new rear diffuser. These components have all been subjected to wind tunnel testing, resulting in what Brabus describes as “next-level aerodynamic efficiency.”

Inside, details such as high-gloss carbon fibre trim on the centre console, anodised aluminium Brabus pedal pads, and carbon fibre door sills with colour-changing LED Brabus logos aligned to the ambient lighting give the cabin a futuristic and bespoke finish.

With the arrival of the Brabus 900 Rocket R in Malaysia, enthusiasts and collectors now have access to one of the most extreme and exclusive performance models on the market — a machine that blends German engineering precision with Brabus’s unmistakable flair for bold, unapologetic power.