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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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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) and authorised dealer Millennium Autohaus Sdn Bhd have officially opened a new Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) in Kajang, further strengthening the brand’s footprint in the Klang Valley. This latest development brings the number of Mitsubishi 3S centres in the region to 19, underlining the company’s commitment to growth and customer service excellence.

The new showroom is strategically located at Lot 1872A, Jalan Semenyih, Kajang 43500, Selangor, and is well-positioned to serve the growing customer base in Kajang and its surrounding areas. Set on a 15,800 square-foot plot of land, the 9,600 square-foot facility is designed to provide a comprehensive Mitsubishi brand experience, combining both sales and after-sales services under one roof for enhanced convenience.

According to Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Shinya Ikeda, the opening of the new outlet in Kajang is a reflection of MMM’s ongoing partnership with Millennium Autohaus and their shared dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Ikeda stated that the launch not only strengthens the brand’s presence across the Klang Valley but also affirms Mitsubishi’s focus on meeting customer expectations at every stage of vehicle ownership.

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd expanded its Gazoo Racing family today with the launch of two new performance models — the GR Supra Track Edition and the GR Yaris Automatic Variant. Both vehicles brought motorsport engineering and rally-honed capabilities to public roads, further strengthening Toyota’s commitment to delivering exhilarating, driver-centric experiences.

The GR Supra Track Edition continued the brand’s proud four-decade legacy, offering sharper handling, refined chassis control, and purposeful, track-ready styling. Meanwhile, the GR Yaris Automatic Variant introduced a newly developed 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, broadening the reach of the GR brand to a wider range of enthusiasts without sacrificing its competitive motorsport heritage.

The GR Supra Track Edition stood as the flagship of Toyota’s GR lineup, evolving into an even more focused machine through a series of comprehensive upgrades. Powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 388PS and 500Nm of torque, the model was available with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Acceleration figures confirmed its potency, with the automatic variant achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, while the manual version managed the sprint in 4.3 seconds.

Beyond its raw power, the GR Supra Track Edition benefited from significant chassis enhancements. The Adaptive Variable Suspension system was retuned for superior grip, while the Electric Power Steering and Limited Slip Differential received exclusive control mapping for sharper feedback and increased stability at high speeds. Larger 374 mm front brake discs paired with four-piston Brembo callipers provided robust and consistent braking under heavy loads.

Aerodynamic improvements included expanded tyre spats, aero flaps, and a carbon fibre ducktail spoiler, all contributing to greater downforce. Reinforced front control arms, enhanced front negative camber adjustment, stiffened stabiliser bars, and upgraded bushings further refined agility and responsiveness.

The model rode on lightweight 19-inch matte black forged alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, engineered to reduce unsprung mass and optimise handling performance. The interior, designed to complement the car’s dynamic nature, featured black Alcantara and leather upholstery with GR embroidery, red seatbelts, and a distinctive red-ring shift knob for manual variants. A 12-speaker JBL HiFi surround system and a full-colour Head-Up Display ensured an immersive driving experience.

Safety remained paramount, with the GR Supra Track Edition equipped with Toyota Supra Safety, which included Pre-Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, and intelligent parking sensors with Emergency Braking Support. The GR Supra Track Edition was priced from RM698,000.00.

Alongside it, the GR Yaris Automatic Variant made its debut, marking a significant milestone for the rally-inspired model first launched in 2021. Building on the momentum from the recently introduced facelifted manual variant, the automatic version brought enhanced accessibility without diluting the core performance ethos of the GR brand.

Developed with insights from the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team, the 8-speed GAZOO Racing Direct Automatic Transmission delivered remarkably swift and precise gear shifts. Unlike conventional automatics that reacted primarily to vehicle movement, this system was engineered to anticipate driver intent, creating a more connected and intuitive driving experience.

The GR Yaris Automatic Variant retained its 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine — the most powerful of its kind — producing 300PS and 400Nm of torque. It could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. To maintain consistent performance in Malaysia’s demanding climate, the automatic variant came fitted with a standard cooling package, including a sub radiator, an intercooler spray, and a combined water-cooled and air-cooled ATF cooler.

New to the variant was the introduction of Launch Control, designed to optimise engine torque and traction for more aggressive, controlled take-offs. This feature worked in tandem with the newly developed automatic transmission and motorsport-calibrated paddle shifters to deliver a rally-inspired driving experience during everyday use.

Safety technologies were not overlooked. The GR Yaris Automatic Variant featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering enhanced Pre-Collision Systems, Lane Tracing Assist, Radar Cruise Control, and Expert Mode, providing seasoned drivers with greater dynamic control without entirely disengaging the vehicle’s stability systems. The GR Yaris Automatic Variant was priced at RM325,600.00.

Both the GR Supra Track Edition and GR Yaris Automatic Variant were now available through GR Garage dealerships nationwide, complete with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and comprehensive aftersales support. GR Garage outlets also stocked a full range of performance parts, GR merchandise, and customer services tailored for performance car enthusiasts.

UMW Toyota Motor reaffirmed that mobility was not solely about speed but about inclusivity and community. Through the introduction of the GR Yaris Automatic and GR Supra Track Edition, Toyota aimed to expand the accessibility of passion-driven motoring experiences. These models symbolised more than engineering achievement; they represented an invitation to join a vibrant community bound by a shared love for driving excellence.

By building vehicles that stirred emotion and cultivated confidence, Toyota was not merely moving people — it was forging communities that inspired one another to strive forward.

In a concerted effort to bolster electric vehicle (EV) adoption and support Malaysia’s transition to low-carbon mobility, BYD Sime Motors has entered into a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Transport (MOT). This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions through the wider use of EVs in both public and private sectors.

The “Jom Pandu BYD Bersama MOT” initiative is a six-month programme designed to offer Ministry personnel an immersive EV driving experience. Backed by Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd—a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd—two EV chargers have been installed at the MOT headquarters in Putrajaya to support the campaign.

At the official launch ceremony held at the Ministry’s complex, the partnership was inaugurated by Transport Minister YB Loke Siew Fook and Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Sime Motors. They were joined by Deputy Transport Minister YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Habibollah, MOT Secretary General YBhg. Dato’ Jana Santhiran Muniayan, General Manager of BYD Sime Motors Adeline Lew, and Izuan Hafiz, Head of Green Mobility MY-SG at Gentari.

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In a joint initiative to promote sustainable mobility and enhance operational efficiency, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd and PRO-NET (Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd) have announced the deployment of three Proton e.MAS 7 electric vehicles for use by Northport’s auxiliary police patrol fleet. This move not only sets a new benchmark in green security operations but also positions Northport as the first company—and port operator—in Malaysia to adopt the e.MAS 7 under a fleet arrangement.

As Malaysia’s No.1 electric vehicle model, the Proton e.MAS 7 exemplifies cutting-edge innovation in environmentally responsible transportation. This milestone reinforces Northport’s leadership in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and commitment to sustainable port operations.

As Proton’s first fully electric SUV, the e.MAS 7 is an ideal fit for Northport’s daily patrol duties. With a smooth and quiet ride, the vehicle helps reduce fatigue for officers during long shifts while lowering noise levels throughout the port. Its fast-charging capabilities ensure minimal downtime, while the energy-efficient powertrain significantly reduces fuel costs and emissions. Fewer moving parts also mean lower maintenance requirements, offering a practical and sustainable solution as Northport continues its transition to cleaner technologies.

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