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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially launched the Wolfsburg Edition range, a collection of special edition models celebrating the German marque’s birthplace. This exclusive series includes the Arteon R-Line, Tiguan Allspace Elegance, and Tiguan Allspace R-Line, each outfitted with distinctive enhancements to honour the brand’s legacy.

The Wolfsburg Edition models will make their debut appearance at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, which takes place at MAEPS Serdang from 9 to 15 May.

Each car in this commemorative line-up comes with the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), which comprises seven years of complimentary maintenance, a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of roadside assistance. The recommended retail prices inclusive of VAP are RM210,990 for the Tiguan Allspace Elegance, RM263,990 for the Tiguan Allspace R-Line, and RM304,990 for the Arteon R-Line. As part of an introductory offer, the models are available with significant savings: RM30,000 off for the Tiguan Allspace Elegance, RM20,000 off for the Tiguan Allspace R-Line, and RM40,000 off for the Arteon R-Line — bringing their respective prices down to RM180,990, RM243,990, and RM264,990.

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Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially introduced the Golf GTI Black Edition, a special model that brings a darker, more assertive interpretation to the iconic hot hatch. Assembled locally, this limited-edition variant enhances the renowned GTI experience with unique aesthetic elements and upgraded equipment designed for both style and performance.

Priced at RM258,990 inclusive of the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP), the Golf GTI Black Edition is being offered with an introductory rebate of RM15,000, reducing the effective price to RM243,990. This pricing includes seven years of free maintenance, a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of roadside assistance.

The Black Edition builds on the heritage of the GTI nameplate, but with a design ethos aimed at drivers who appreciate stealth, sophistication, and a more aggressive road presence. It is available in two bold colours: Deep Black and Kings Red. Exterior enhancements include gloss black finishes on the front lip, rear diffuser, side skirts, and door mirrors. The B-pillars feature a ‘BLACK’ emblem, while the 18-inch Black Richmond alloy wheels and GTI-branded dynamic hub caps complete the vehicle’s darkened visual theme. GTI valve caps and a JPJ-compliant Volkswagen Tint offer both branding flair and practical benefits for local road conditions.

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Malaysia’s one-make racing scene is set to accelerate in 2025 with the launch of the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series, a new motorsport championship that will feature the latest iteration of the Toyota GR86 sports coupe. Organised by Haro Sports and Entertainment Sdn Bhd, the series aims to provide a competitive yet accessible entry point into professional racing, spotlighting driving skill over mechanical advantage.

The inaugural GR86 Cup Malaysia Series will make its first appearance as a support race during the Malaysian round of the 2025 SUPER GT Series, held at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit from 26 to 28 June. The event will include two 10-lap sprint races. Two more rounds will follow: the second taking place alongside the Malaysia Championship Series 300km race, while the grand finale will feature an endurance-style 86-lap contest. All three rounds are slated to be held at Sepang.

Fahrizal Hasan, Managing Partner at Haro Sports and Entertainment, stated that the GR86 Cup Malaysia Series is crafted as a highly competitive yet cost-effective racing platform. The series, he added, is intended to allow racing enthusiasts to transition into a more capable and dynamic race car environment while maintaining an even playing field centred on driving talent.

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BYD Sisma Auto has further reinforced its presence in the Klang Valley with the grand opening of a new showroom at IPC Shopping Centre in Mutiara Damansara, marking the company’s third outlet in the region. This latest development highlights Sisma Auto’s ongoing efforts to make BYD’s cutting-edge electric vehicles more accessible to Malaysian consumers.

Strategically located on the ground floor of IPC Shopping Centre (units G.29 and G.A29), the showroom is designed to offer a contemporary and inviting environment. Visitors can explore the full range of BYD’s electric vehicles and take advantage of on-site test drive opportunities to experience the brand’s technological innovation and performance first-hand.

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After its global debut in Australia last year, the smart #5 is now poised for a Malaysian entry — teased on smart Malaysia’s social platforms with the message: “Bold new adventures are just ahead. The spirit of discovery is calling – are you ready?”

The smart #5 represents a significant evolution for the brand, both in scale and in character. This third SUV from smart is the company’s largest production model to date, measuring 4,705 mm in length—making it substantially longer than the smart #3 by 265 mm. Notably, it also surpasses other well-known rivals in the segment, such as the Honda CR-V, in terms of length, underscoring the #5’s commanding road presence.

Visually, the #5 takes a rugged and assertive design approach. The front and rear ends are defined by squared-off lighting elements connected by a full-width transparent strip, which integrates distinctive oblong light clusters. Adding to its bold demeanour is a protruding centre bumper section that evokes the look of a bull bar, enhancing the vehicle’s off-road-ready styling. Along the flanks, the SUV features subtly flared fenders and a unique kink in the window line that flows into thick D-pillars, each adorned with a smart logo. Additional design highlights include two-tone rectangular door mirrors and a triangular embellishment on the front fender, while flush pop-out door handles and frameless windows contribute to its premium appeal. The SUV also features floating wheel centre caps, inspired by Rolls-Royce, which remain upright while the wheels are in motion.

A special Summit Edition will also be available, featuring the Adventurers’ Collection package designed for off-road excursions. This variant is equipped with a roof carrier, rugged side steps, a roof-mounted light bar, and ladders on both sides. It also includes underbody protection and a power-retractable tow hook. The smart #5 boasts a towing capacity of up to 1,600kg, cementing its credentials as a practical adventure companion.

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Proton is officially making its return to Singapore with the debut of its first electric vehicle (EV), the Proton e.MAS 7, at The Car Expo 2025 this weekend, marking the brand’s first appearance in the city-state in over a decade.

Following its international debut in Nepal in March, the e.MAS 7 has quickly risen to prominence as Malaysia’s best-selling EV for the first four months of 2025. Its upcoming sneak preview at booth D25 in Singapore EXPO Hall 3 & 4 offers a first glimpse for the local public, highlighting Proton’s commitment to regional electrification.

Proton’s re-entry into Singapore is made possible through its new distributor, VINCAR Group, which will manage sales and retail operations for the e.MAS brand across the country. The move is strategic, aligning with Singapore’s aggressive push toward green mobility — a market that has seen EV penetration grow from 12% in 2022 to 18% in 2023, with projections of 55% by 2027.

In support of this shift, the Singapore government aims to install 12,000 EV charging points by 2025 in over 2,000 HDB carparks, expanding to 60,000 by 2030. The country also targets 100% clean-energy vehicles by 2040 as part of its broader net-zero emissions roadmap.

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Malaysia and Thailand are taking steps to reinstate a direct train service linking Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok this year, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The move aims to enhance connectivity and tourism between the two capitals by leveraging the existing rail infrastructure.

Speaking after a one-day working visit to Thailand, Loke confirmed that the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been tasked with making initial preparations within three months to relaunch the service.

“This does not require new tracks but depends on coordination, marketing, and joint ticketing between the two countries,” Loke told Bernama. The route would operate along the existing Bangkok–Padang Besar–Butterworth–Kuala Lumpur rail line, which is already in place.

During the visit, Loke also held discussions with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, and visited the Bang Sue Central Terminal Station, where he was briefed on Thailand’s high-speed rail initiatives.

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Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET) is accelerating its efforts to make sustainable mobility more accessible across the country. Responding to the rising demand for Proton e.MAS vehicles, PRO-NET is expanding its dealership network, building on the 31 outlets already in operation and appointing an additional nine dealerships. This brings the total number of appointed dealers to 40, reflecting the strong nationwide interest and growing support for the brand.

The expansion is intended not merely to increase the brand’s presence, but to deepen trust and ensure that the Proton e.MAS experience is accessible to more Malaysians. With the Proton e.MAS 7 already attracting significant attention nationwide, PRO-NET is focused on encouraging greater confidence among consumers considering the switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric alternatives.

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Continental has announced that it will discontinue tyre manufacturing operations at its Alor Setar plant in Malaysia by the end of 2025, following a comprehensive business review aimed at safeguarding its competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

The Alor Setar facility, which employs approximately 950 people, currently produces passenger car and light truck tyres for the Asia-Pacific market, as well as motorcycle tyres. The company stated that its priority is to support affected employees by offering career counselling and exploring potential employment opportunities both within and outside of Continental.

The decision to close the plant reflects Continental’s strategy to adapt to evolving customer demand, optimise its local product portfolio, and strengthen its manufacturing footprint. Despite the closure, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the Malaysian market, emphasising that long-standing relationships with customers and partners remain central to its operations.

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Isuzu Malaysia has appointed Mr Tomoyuki Yamaguchi as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 24 April 2025, succeeding Mr Shunsuke Okazoe, who has returned to Japan to assume the role of Vice President, Japan Sales Division at Isuzu Motors Ltd.

With nearly three decades of experience within Isuzu Motors, Mr Yamaguchi brings a wealth of international expertise to his new role. A graduate of Toyo University, he joined the company in 1997 and began his career in the International Operations Department, managing markets such as Russia and Ukraine. His extensive work across the CIS countries and South-West Asia was later complemented by a leadership stint in South Africa, where he played a pivotal role in revitalising Isuzu’s commercial vehicle business.

Upon his arrival in Malaysia, Mr Yamaguchi expressed admiration for the maturity and growth of Isuzu Malaysia, which has achieved a strong market presence within just two decades of incorporation. He commended the company’s loyal customer base and its reputation for delivering durable and capable vehicles.

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