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Proton e.MAS 7 Conquers 10,432km Across 9 ASEAN Countries

In a landmark demonstration of endurance and technological prowess, the Proton e.MAS 7 has completed a remarkable 10,432-kilometre journey across nine ASEAN nations, marking a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s electric vehicle industry. The ambitious journey was conducted under the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 programme, led by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), and concluded without a single incident, underscoring the vehicle’s resilience and reliability.

Recognised as Malaysia’s leading electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7 embarked on a 22-day expedition that spanned Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore before returning home. The expedition surpassed its original target of 9,000 kilometres by over 1,400 kilometres, affirming the e.MAS 7’s position as a benchmark in electric mobility for the region.

The journey served as a real-world test of the e.MAS 7’s endurance under Southeast Asia’s notoriously demanding road and weather conditions. The vehicle’s advanced battery system performed consistently despite long distances, tropical humidity, heat, and unpredictable terrain. Notably, the vehicle completed the entire route without encountering any battery-related faults, a testament to its engineering and safety standards.

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RM350 Million Allocated for Federal Road Maintenance in Peninsular Malaysia

The government has announced a substantial allocation of RM350 million for the maintenance of federal roads across Peninsular Malaysia this year, with the intention of boosting infrastructure reliability and ensuring timely upkeep of the nation’s road network.

According to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, the funds will be distributed between two key areas: RM275 million has been set aside for periodic pavement maintenance, while RM75 million will cover non-pavement-related works. A total of 563 maintenance projects are scheduled under this programme.

The selection of contractors for these maintenance tasks is being conducted through a draw system, targeting those classified within the G1 to G4 contractor grades. Ahmad explained that this approach is designed to promote transparency and provide equal opportunities to smaller-scale contractors, many of whom often face challenges in accessing government projects.

According to Bernama, he clarified that the draw mechanism is part of the Programme to Accelerate Road Maintenance by Utilising Contractors Grade G1 to G4, with the current phase covering the Central and Eastern Zones. Similar draws are taking place in other regions, including the Southern Zone from today until tomorrow, and the Northern Zone from 5 to 6 June.

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Volvo Padel Open Returns with New Format and Renewed Commitment to Local Talent

Volvo Car Malaysia has officially announced the return of the Volvo Padel Open for 2025, introducing enhanced match formats, expanded categories, and a stronger focus on emerging players. The event aims to further cultivate Malaysia’s rapidly growing padel community and solidify its standing as the nation’s largest padel tournament.

Running every weekend from 21 June until the grand finals on 27 July, the tournament is expected to draw as many as 320 participants, ranging from new players just entering the sport to seasoned enthusiasts who have competed in regional circuits.

This year’s edition is a significant evolution of the inaugural tournament, reflecting Volvo’s continued support for padel as a socially engaging and fast-paced sport. The brand sees padel as a natural extension of its values—community, innovation, inclusivity, and wellness.

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PRO-NET Branding Chief Honoured at Malaysian CMO Awards 2024 Amid Rising EV Leadership

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET) has earned national recognition as its Chief Branding Officer, Salawati Mohd Yusoff, was named a recipient of the Malaysian CMO Award 2024 by MARKETING Magazine Asia. The award honours marketing professionals who go beyond conventional branding to drive organisational growth, strategic transformation, and long-term impact.

Salawati was acknowledged for her instrumental role in steering PRO-NET’s branding strategy with a clear and consistent narrative that prioritises authentic engagement and innovation. She described the accolade as a reflection of the collective effort behind PRO-NET’s success, emphasising that branding is fundamentally about forging meaningful connections with people rather than superficial symbols.

Under her leadership, PRO-NET has transformed how Malaysians perceive the future of mobility through its two core electric vehicle (EV) brands—smart Malaysia and Proton e.MAS. The company’s brand evolution has been marked by a consistent voice, customer-first approach, and a focus on trust-building through advanced technologies.

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Bentley Unveils Fourth-Generation Continental GT Speed in Malaysia – 782PS, 1,000Nm of Torque

Bentley Kuala Lumpur has officially unveiled the fourth-generation Continental GT Speed, ushering in a bold new chapter in the marque’s storied 21-year journey of producing luxurious, high-performance grand tourers. This latest iteration stands as the most technologically advanced and visually transformative Continental GT to date, blending thrilling supercar performance with refined craftsmanship and everyday usability.

Drawing inspiration from Bentley’s coachbuilt masterpieces such as the Bacalar and Batur, the new Continental GT Speed introduces the most dramatic design overhaul in two decades. The sleek, muscular silhouette now features single front headlamps—a stylistic nod to Bentley models of the 1950s. The front fascia has been reimagined with integrated, body-coloured aerodynamic elements, giving it a cleaner and more assertive stance.

At the rear, the grand tourer now boasts wider taillight graphics, a reprofiled bumper, and a fixed aerodynamic boot lid, which eliminates the need for a deployable spoiler. Enhancing its road presence are newly designed 22-inch alloy wheels, inspired by the powerful stance of a tiger. These are available in various finishes, including gloss black, silver, and a dark tint with polished details, further underlining the car’s dynamic yet elegant character.

Beneath its striking exterior lies the heart of a technological revolution. The fourth-generation GT Speed debuts Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, pairing a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine (producing 600 PS and 800 Nm of torque) with a 190 PS electric motor. Together, they deliver a formidable 782 PS and 1,000 Nm of torque—translating to an 11% increase in torque and a 19% boost in power compared to the previous W12-powered GT Speed.

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Subaru Track Day 2025 Roars Through Sepang with Boxer-Powered Thrills

The legendary echoes of Subaru’s boxer engines returned to Sepang International Circuit as Subaru Malaysia hosted its much-anticipated Track Day 2025, delivering a spectacle of power, precision, and passion for driving enthusiasts across the nation.

The event was made possible with strong support from partners, including Motor Image Malaysia, SBR Technic, Hardex (Eximius Lubricants), OM System, C&H Auto Garage, ZBOM Kitchen Cabinets, Recaro, GRZ Club Malaysia, Subaru XV Club Malaysia, V11 Malaysia Club, PIAA, THONG Motor, Millers Oils, Kegani Racing Academy, and Whiteline.

Far from a quiet Sunday outing, the circuit thundered with the distinctive growl of horizontally opposed engines as 185 Subaru cars of all shapes and sizes took to the tarmac. From family-friendly SUVs to agile sedans and performance-driven coupes, the full lineup of Subaru’s offerings was present, each delivering a unique flavour of driving excitement.

Subaru Malaysia extended a special invitation to members of the media, providing a hands-on opportunity to explore the capabilities of its fleet. While the spotlight naturally fell on performance models such as the WRX and BRZ, the surprise standout was the Subaru Forester. Commonly known as a practical family SUV, the Forester demonstrated composure through Sepang’s challenging corners, maintaining stability and control without sacrificing comfort. It wasn’t built to dominate the track, but its assured dynamics suggest it could confidently handle spirited driving even outside urban environments.

For those craving something with a sharper bite, the Subaru WRX did not disappoint. Fitted with a 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine churning out 275PS, the WRX was a highlight of the day. The variant tested featured a manual transmission, absent of modern conveniences like auto rev-matching, but remarkably intuitive. Every shift and throttle input connected the driver to the machine with mechanical clarity. The WRX’s performance reminded attendees why it has earned its rally-bred reputation—delivering power, grip, and raw engagement in equal measure.

The event also saw a strong turnout from the Subaru Owners Club, bringing added energy and colour to the paddock. Custom builds lined the parking areas, including slammed BRZs and ferociously tuned Imprezas. Their unfiltered exhaust notes echoed through the circuit, a reminder of the grassroots community that keeps Subaru’s performance heritage alive.

Perhaps the most heartening sight of the day was the number of families in attendance. Parents brought their children along, and the sheer wonder on young faces as they watched cars scream down the straights and rocket through corners underscored what events like this are all about—sharing a love of cars across generations.

Guests who do not own a Subaru were also invited to join the fun through immersive driving experiences and taxi rides with professional instructors.

Subaru Track Day 2025 wasn’t just about horsepower or lap times. It was a celebration of community, engineering, and the unmistakable soundtrack of boxer engines echoing through Sepang. For those in attendance, it served as a thrilling reminder of why Subaru continues to hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts.

RON95 Fuel Subsidy Rationalisation to Begin in Late 2025, Says Second Finance Minister

The Malaysian government is set to begin the rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies in the second half of 2025, according to Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Bernama reported.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to subsidy reforms, Amir Hamzah clarified that current efforts are concentrated on accurately identifying the groups eligible to receive targeted assistance. He explained that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) is actively working on refining the criteria to ensure that support is directed at those who need it most.

He stated that discussions are ongoing between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Cabinet to determine the appropriate eligibility threshold, which is expected to be revised to better reflect current socioeconomic conditions.

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BMW Group Malaysia Celebrates Legacy and Innovation at ‘My BMW World’ Showcase

BMW Group Malaysia, a dominant force in the nation’s premium automotive sector since the 1970s, is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to innovation, craftsmanship and customer experience with a special event titled My BMW World. Running from 13 to 15 June 2025 at The Yard, Sentul Depot, the event marks a milestone in the brand’s enduring journey through the theme Heritage in Motion.

For over five decades, BMW Group Malaysia has cultivated a legacy of excellence, solidifying its position as the country’s leading premium carmaker. This stature has been shaped by a consistent focus on engineering expertise, luxury ownership, and sheer driving pleasure—values that continue to guide the brand in an era defined by rapid technological transformation.

The My BMW World showcase is a celebration of both the past and the future. It serves as a reflection of BMW’s evolution in Malaysia, illustrating how historical depth and accumulated experience have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s premium motoring ecosystem. As the automotive industry embraces electrification, sustainability, and digital integration, BMW Group Malaysia positions itself as both a custodian of tradition and a pioneer of progress.

Visitors to the event will witness the unveiling of BMW Group Malaysia’s latest portfolio of vehicles, which span a broad spectrum of powertrains—from fully electric to plug-in hybrid and traditional internal combustion engines. This diverse offering underscores the brand’s philosophy of Technology Openness, providing customers with the Power of Choice to match varying lifestyle preferences and mobility needs.

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Penang Considers Bridge Alternative for Third Mainland Link

The Penang state government is now seriously considering constructing a third bridge across the Penang Straits as an alternative to the long-proposed undersea tunnel, according to The Star.

Infrastructure and transport committee chairman, Zairil Khir Johari, confirmed that a feasibility study examining the potential of a new design, specifically a bridge or other alternatives, was completed in 2023. He stated that an implementation study focusing on the proposed bridge is currently underway and is expected to reach completion soon.

Once finalised, the new design for the third link will replace the original plan for an undersea tunnel. Zairil explained that the state will also conduct a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and carry out any further necessary evaluations once the implementation study concludes.

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Proton to Launch Integrated Tyre Services in Collaboration with Continental Malaysia

Proton is set to introduce integrated tyre services at selected authorised service centres across Malaysia following a strategic collaboration with Continental Malaysia. The move reflects Proton’s ongoing commitment to enhancing customer convenience and delivering a more seamless vehicle ownership experience.

Through this partnership, Proton service centres will be transformed into comprehensive one-stop hubs, offering tyre sales, professional installation, and after-sales support. These services will be delivered in cooperation with Continental Malaysia, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers. By the end of December 2025, the company expects to roll out these offerings at 60 outlets nationwide, covering owners of all current Proton models.

As part of this initiative, customers will be able to purchase and install new tyres during routine maintenance appointments. Prices will begin at RM211 per unit for models such as the Proton Saga. All tyres offered will be newly manufactured to ensure maximum safety, reliability, and performance, with installation carried out by Proton-certified technicians to uphold consistent service standards.

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