Local News Archives

Piston.my

Local News

Volvo ES90 Spotted in Malaysia — All-Electric Flagship Sedan Expected Soon

Volvo’s all-new ES90, the Swedish automaker’s upcoming flagship electric sedan, has been spotted again in Malaysia under the sheets — strongly hinting at an official local launch in the near future. The sighting suggests that Volvo Car Malaysia is preparing for the introduction of its new model as part of the brand’s continued electrification strategy.

The ES90 will serve as the electric successor to the S90, representing Volvo’s push to offer a fully electric lineup by 2030. Built on the advanced SPA2 platform — the same architecture underpinning the EX90 SUV — the ES90 is expected to combine Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable luxury.

According to Volvo, the 800V system enables rapid charging of up to 350 kW DC, allowing drivers to gain roughly 300km of range in just 10 minutes. The ES90 will be available in both single-motor, rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variants, with the latter producing up to 670hp and capable of accelerating from 0–100km/h in about four seconds.

Battery capacity options are expected to range from 92 kWh to 106 kWh, offering a driving range of up to 700km (WLTP) depending on the variant. Charging from 10–80% can take as little as 20 minutes under ideal conditions.

(more…)

Volvo Malaysia Introduces Lifetime Parts Warranty for Added Peace of Mind

Volvo Car Malaysia has reintroduced its pioneering aftersales assurance initiative under a new name — the Volvo Genuine Parts Extended Warranty programme. This industry-first scheme offers a lifetime warranty at no extra cost on Volvo Genuine Parts that are installed at authorised Volvo dealerships across the country, setting a new standard in the premium car segment.

The programme is designed especially for customers whose vehicles have exceeded the standard manufacturer’s warranty, giving them continued confidence and long-term protection. It reflects Volvo’s ongoing dedication to product quality, customer care, and reducing overall ownership costs. True to Volvo’s promise of safety and reliability, these parts are guaranteed to be “For Life.”

Unlike the standard new-car warranty, the Volvo Genuine Parts Extended Warranty covers both the cost of parts and labour for all eligible replacements carried out by authorised dealers, with no additional charges beyond the price of the part and its installation. The coverage applies for the lifetime of the part, ensuring customers enjoy complete peace of mind long after the original warranty period has ended.

(more…)

You Can Save On Your Car Loan With New Revamp of Rules

Car buyers in Malaysia will soon get fairer car loans after the government decided to remove the old “Rule of 78.” This rule has been used for decades in hire-purchase loans but was often seen as unfair. The change comes with the new Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed on October 8, which replaces the old system with a fairer one.

Before this, car buyers had to pay most of their loan interest at the start of their repayment. This meant that if they paid off the loan early, they didn’t save much money. Because of that, many people chose longer loan terms instead of finishing payments sooner.

Now, with the new “reducing-balance” system, interest will be charged only on the remaining loan amount, not the total borrowed. This means buyers who pay early or take shorter loans will save more money. Banks must also clearly show the real interest rate to customers.

(more…)

BYD Shark in Malaysia – What To Expect!

BYD is officially bringing its first-ever pickup truck, the Shark, to Malaysia, a move that marks the brand’s entry into one of the most competitive vehicle segments in the market. This follows the Shark’s successful launches in regions like Mexico and Thailand, and Malaysian buyers can expect a showcase of the model soon before its official arrival.

The BYD Shark represents a significant step forward for the Chinese automaker as it expands from electric passenger cars into the pickup market. Unlike traditional diesel-powered rivals, the Shark is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that blends practicality with high performance and efficiency.

Under the hood, the Shark features BYD’s advanced Dual-Mode Off-Road hybrid system. It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors to deliver a combined output of around 430PS and 650Nm of torque. This powertrain enables the Shark to accelerate from 0–100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, outpacing most conventional pickups on the road.

Equipped with BYD’s signature Blade LFP battery (29.6 kWh), the Shark offers up to 100km of electric-only range, ideal for daily urban commutes without using fuel. When combined with its petrol engine, the truck can travel up to 840km on a full charge and tank. Charging options include both AC and DC capabilities, along with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power electrical devices directly from the vehicle.

(more…)

Proton e.MAS 7 Maintains EV Leadership as e.MAS 5 Bookings Surge Past 10,000 Units

PRO-NET, the subsidiary of Proton leading the brand’s electric mobility efforts, has reached another major milestone in its e.MAS EV journey. The Proton e.MAS 7 continues to dominate the market as Malaysia’s best-selling electric vehicle, recording a total of 7,413 units sold as of 31 October 2025.

Of this number, 6,954 units were sold locally, while 459 were exported. This marks ten consecutive months at the top for the e.MAS 7, reinforcing Proton’s strong position in the nation’s growing EV sector.

Alongside this success, the newly launched Proton e.MAS 5 — Malaysia’s first truly affordable EV — is making waves of its own. The model has already received more than 10,000 bookings nationwide, signalling a major shift in public interest towards electric mobility.

Interest in the Proton e.MAS 5 is strongest in the Central Region, followed by Southern and Northern Malaysia. Demand in East Malaysia and the East Coast is also climbing, showing that enthusiasm for Malaysia’s first affordable EV extends across the country.

(more…)

Loke: Physical Driving Licences Soon Come with a Fee, Digital Version Stays Free

Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport is making a significant leap into digitalisation by moving vehicle licenses and registration documents from traditional physical cards to a fully digital platform. During a podcast with Cilisos, Transport Minister Anthony Loke highlighted that the initiative forms part of a wider plan to modernise public services, enhance efficiency, and substantially reduce government spending.

Currently, printing physical licenses and related documents costs the government over RM100 million annually. By introducing a digital system, the government expects to save this amount while still offering drivers the option to obtain a physical card for a fee of RM10 to RM16. Loke emphasised that not every driver requires a physical license, and moving online will streamline administrative processes, cut costs, and resolve common printing issues.

With around 15 to 16 million active drivers in Malaysia, the transition represents a major logistical effort. The Ministry acknowledges that there may be minor challenges or complaints during the early stages of the rollout, but the long-term benefits—including financial savings and improved service delivery—are expected to outweigh any temporary disruptions.

(more…)

Perodua Gears Up to Launch Its First Fully Malaysian Electric Vehicle

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is preparing to introduce its first electric vehicle (EV) that meets national standards by the end of this month, marking a significant milestone in Malaysia’s automotive journey.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the upcoming launch during his visit and engagement session with Perodua employees. As both the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Anwar highlighted that this locally developed EV represents more than just a new product—it reflects Malaysia’s broader ambition to drive forward its National Agenda.

He explained that the upcoming Perodua EV has been designed to align with the country’s economic and environmental objectives. According to him, the car will not only be affordable but will also serve as a model that caters to the needs of Malaysians while strengthening the national economy.

(more…)

Volvo Extends Complimentary Data for Owners of Google Built-In Models

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced an industry-first move in the premium car segment, extending its complimentary Volvo Car Connect Plus data service by another year for eligible owners whose current subscriptions are nearing expiry.

Previously known as Digital Services, the Volvo Car Connect Plus package is included with the brand’s latest models equipped with Google built-in. It allows seamless access to a suite of connected features without relying on a tethered smartphone — including media streaming, real-time Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice commands, and over-the-air system updates.

Since its introduction, Volvo Car Connect Plus has become a defining feature of Volvo’s ownership experience, offering up to five years of complimentary in-car data with new vehicle purchases. Early adopters, however, received four years of coverage when the first wave of Google built-in cars arrived in Malaysia. To ensure parity with newer models, Volvo is now extending the complimentary subscription by an additional year for these owners, matching the five-year period available with 2024 model year cars.

(more…)

Jetour T2 Set to Hit Malaysian Roads Soon with Estimated Price of RM178,888

Jetour Malaysia has revealed that its upcoming all-terrain SUV, the Jetour T2, will be priced at an estimated RM178,888, marking another major step in the brand’s expansion in Malaysia. The announcement follows the model’s earlier right-hand-drive debut and reinforces Jetour’s growing presence in the premium SUV segment.

Visually, the Jetour T2 commands attention with its bold and boxy styling. It wears a strong, upright stance accentuated by LED headlamps featuring Jetour’s distinctive light signature, flared wheel arches and rugged body lines that convey both durability and refinement. Available in several striking colours — including Khaki White, Aviation Silver and Carbon Black — the T2 projects a premium yet adventurous personality that fits right in among Malaysia’s diverse driving environments.

Under the bonnet, the T2 packs a 2.0-litre TGDi turbocharged engine producing 245PS and 375Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The drivetrain is complemented by Jetour’s X-Intelligent Drive Mode, which automatically adjusts power delivery and traction depending on surface conditions. This gives the T2 flexibility to move effortlessly between city roads, highways and unpaved terrain without sacrificing control or efficiency.

(more…)

Proton Achieves Record October Sales with 15,575 Units Sold

Proton ended October 2025 on a strong note, recording its highest monthly sales volume of the year. The national automaker sold a total of 15,575 units domestically and abroad, representing a 16.3% increase compared to September. This brings Proton’s year-to-date total to 129,872 units, placing the company 3% ahead of 2024’s performance at the same point.

The broader Malaysian automotive market also rebounded, with Total Industry Volume (TIV) estimated at 77,377 units in October, the highest monthly figure for 2025 and a 32.3% rise from the previous month. With two months remaining, Malaysia appears on track to exceed 800,000 annual vehicle sales for a second consecutive year, likely maintaining its position as the top automotive market in ASEAN.

The Proton Saga continued to demonstrate enduring strength even as its next-generation replacement nears launch. The model achieved 8,373 units sold in October, its best performance since July 2013, securing second place in the national sales chart. Cumulative 2025 sales have reached 59,107 units, reaffirming the Saga’s status as one of Malaysia’s most trusted nameplates.

(more…)