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Malaysia’s hybrid vehicle segment is set to welcome a new contender with the arrival of the Jaecoo J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) SUV by the end of February 2025. In anticipation of the official launch, Jaecoo Malaysia has confirmed that the first locally assembled units of the J7 PHEV have begun rolling off the production line at its Shah Alam facility.

According to Jaecoo Malaysia Vice President Emily Lek, the J7 PHEV is strategically positioned as a viable alternative between the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and fully Electric Vehicle (EV) segments. “We believe the Jaecoo J7 PHEV perfectly aligns with market demand by offering the best of both worlds through its advanced Super Hybrid System (SHS). As Malaysia’s EV ecosystem continues to evolve, we are committed to providing consumers with a seamless transition to hybrid mobility,” she stated.

Lek also highlighted Jaecoo’s preparedness in after-sales service, ensuring a robust support network for PHEV owners. “Beyond delivering a premium SUV, our Jaecoo network is fully equipped to support PHEV customers, ensuring longevity and satisfaction throughout their ownership journey.”

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Following a record-breaking year in 2024 with Total Industry Volume (TIV) reaching 813,521 units, the Malaysian automotive market experienced a downturn in January 2025. The decline was attributed to high sales in December 2024 and the impact of the Chinese New Year festive period. An estimated 50,278 vehicles were sold in January 2025, marking a 38.7% drop from the 81,987 units sold in December 2024 and a 24.9% decline from the 66,925 units recorded in January 2024.

Proton Reports Market Share Growth Despite Industry Slowdown

Amid the overall decline, Proton’s total sales for January 2025—including domestic, export, Proton e.MAS, and smart car models—stood at 9,914 units. This figure compares to 12,882 units of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars sold in January 2024. Despite the lower volume, Proton’s estimated market share rose to 19.7%, up from 18.7% last year. The company credited the performance to strong sales of the Proton e.MAS 7, a surge in exports, and three Proton models leading their respective segments.

Proton e.MAS 7 Emerges as Malaysia’s Best-Selling EV

The Proton e.MAS 7, launched on December 16, 2024, has gained significant traction in Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) market. Over 4,000 units have been booked, prompting Proton to release an additional 3,000 units with launch package benefits. Deliveries began in early 2025, with 421 units reaching customers in January, making it Malaysia’s best-selling EV with a 25% share of the total EV market.

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The Denza D9, a premium electric MPV from the Shenzhen-based Denza brand (a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz), is set to make its debut in Malaysia soon, marking a significant step in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Designed to cater to the growing demand for luxury family vehicles, the D9 combines cutting-edge EV technology, spacious interiors, and sophisticated design, making it a strong contender in the premium MPV segment.

BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. has taken a significant step forward in expanding its footprint in Malaysia by officially signing an Importation & Distribution Agreement for Denza. The ceremony, held at Sunway Resort Hotel back in 2024, saw Sime Darby Auto Imports Sdn. Bhd. appointed as the official importer, while BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. was named the official distributor for Denza in Malaysia.

The Denza D9 is powered by BYD’s advanced Blade Battery technology, offering impressive range and safety. With two powertrain options—a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a fully electric (EV) variant—the D9 caters to a wide range of consumers. The EV model boasts a range of up to 600km on a single charge, while the PHEV variant offers the flexibility of electric driving with the convenience of a combustion engine for longer trips.

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PRO-NET, the new energy vehicle subsidiary of Proton, has taken a significant step in its nationwide dealership expansion with the official launch of Proton e.MAS dealerships in Sabah and Sarawak. This move aims to introduce advanced electric mobility solutions to customers in East Malaysia.

The first of these new dealerships was inaugurated in Kota Kinabalu on February 8 by the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship of Sabah, YB Datuk Phoong Jin Tze. Harapan Maju Sabah Sdn. Bhd. now operates the Proton e.MAS showroom in the state capital. In Sarawak, Ybhg. Dato Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching South, launched the e.MAS dealership by Melinau EV Sdn. Bhd. on February 11. Further expansions will see Ghee Hua Co. Sdn. Bhd. opening its showroom in Sarawak on February 13, followed by Fook Loi Eurocar Sdn. Bhd. in Sabah on February 28.

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The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) has raised concerns over an increasing trend of vehicle owners using “dummy buckles” to silence seat belt alarms instead of wearing seat belts properly.

Negeri Sembilan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf revealed that the highest number of notices issued during the special Chinese New Year operation were for seat belt violations, with 195 offences recorded. Alarmingly, more than 30% of these cases involved drivers using dummy buckles—accessories that resemble real seat belt buckles—to disable seat belt reminders.

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The Road Transport Department (JPJ) recorded a total of 107,014 traffic offences during the Chinese New Year Special Operation 2025, which ran from January 20 to February 4. The operation involved the inspection of 429,423 vehicles, resulting in 724 seizures.

Expired road tax and the absence of valid vehicle insurance emerged as the most common violations, with 29,994 cases reported. This was followed by 20,414 instances of drivers operating vehicles without a valid licence and 15,610 technical infractions, including issues related to tyres and brakes.

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli emphasised the importance of vehicle owners ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys. He noted that these offences pose risks not only to the drivers themselves but also to other road users.

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Porsche Asia Pacific, in collaboration with Porsche AG, Porsche Malaysia (represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance), and Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd, has introduced an environmental protection initiative for school children at a local public elementary school. The program, known as “Sahabat Lestari,” aims to instil responsible environmental behaviour and integrate sustainability practices into daily school life.

The initiative is supported by the Malaysian non-governmental organisation Free Tree Society, with the goal of fostering empowerment through education. Porsche Asia Pacific emphasized that the program encourages students to become environmental advocates within their families and communities.

As part of the initiative, students participate in workshops where they are introduced to environmental topics in an age-appropriate manner. A key component of the program is the establishment of a school-based mini jungle, which will be maintained by the students and faculty. Additionally, a 30-day recycling challenge encourages students to collect and recycle paper and plastic from their daily school activities. Those who complete the program will receive a certificate recognizing them as “Eco-Ambassadors.”

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) maintained its strong market presence in January 2025, recording 5,383 unit sales. With a continued focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Toyota is set to sustain its growth throughout the year.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional vehicles, stating, “Our strong start to 2025 is a reflection of our dedication to quality, reliability, and innovation. With exciting new models and continuous advancements, we aim to shape the future of mobility in Malaysia.”

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) brand continues to gain traction, with the highly anticipated 2025 GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and Corolla GR Sport making their debut at the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Season 7 closing ceremony. These performance models blend cutting-edge motorsport technology with everyday practicality, further reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to driving excitement.

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Volvo Car Malaysia has concluded the 2024 calendar year with a record-breaking sales mix for its fully electric (BEV) segment, which accounted for 30% of total retail sales—a significant 18% increase from 2023.

The combined sales of Volvo Car Malaysia’s BEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models made up 83% of total retail sales, compared to 71% in the previous year. This milestone aligns with Volvo’s global sustainability ambition to sell between 90% to 100% electrified vehicles by 2030, encompassing models with plug-in high-voltage battery drivetrains.

A Leader in Electrification

Since 2020, Volvo Car Malaysia has been at the forefront of electrification, offering only fully electric or hybrid electric variants across all new models. Customers in Malaysia currently have the option of choosing between plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrains for internal combustion engine models.

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Honda Malaysia has achieved a significant milestone with the sale of over 11,300 units of its flagship model, the 6th Generation CR-V, securing its position as the No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024 with a commanding 36% market share in the segment.

Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, expressed his delight at the CR-V’s outstanding market performance. “Since its launch in December 2023, the CR-V has received strong market acceptance, further solidifying its dominant position. This growing demand is reflected in its remarkable 40% year-on-year growth within its segment. Notably, the CR-V ranked as the third best-selling model in Honda Malaysia’s lineup for 2024.”

Impressive Sales Contribution from Hybrid and Petrol Variants

The introduction of the 2.0L e:HEV RS hybrid variant has significantly boosted demand, contributing to 20% of overall CR-V sales. Within the Mid-Size SUV hybrid segment, the e:HEV RS commands an 87% market share, reflecting strong consumer confidence in Honda’s advanced hybrid technology.

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