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Chinese automaker BYD has expanded its electric vehicle portfolio with the official launch of the BYD e7, an all-electric mid-size sedan designed to cater to younger drivers and fleet operators such as taxi services. With prices starting from 103,800 yuan to 115,800 yuan (approximately RM67,800 to RM75,700), the e7 offers two CLTC-certified range variants — 450 km and 520 km — providing an accessible option in the growing EV market.

The new e7 features BYD’s signature low-cost e-series design language. The front fascia is completely enclosed, intended to evoke a “smiley face” appearance, complemented by the centrally placed BYD badge and sharply defined rib lines on the bonnet. At the rear, a multi-layered design is matched with a ducktail spoiler and a continuous light strip that spans the width of the vehicle. Additional lighting fixtures are located near the lower bumper, while the “e7” model designation is affixed on the bottom right. Conventional pull-type door handles have been retained, underscoring its entry-level market positioning.

With a body measuring 4,780 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,820 mm, the e7 is positioned firmly within the mid-size sedan segment, slightly bigger than a Tesla Model 3. It rides on modest 16-inch alloy wheels, suitable for daily commuting and fleet usage.

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The Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025) concluded on a historic high note, drawing an unprecedented 294,062 visitors and generating RM1.72 billion in potential sales. With 3,194 vehicles booked, 1,512 prospective trade-ins, and over 18,800 sales leads recorded, this year’s edition firmly established itself as the country’s most successful automotive showcase to date.

Held from 9 to 15 May at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS), MAS 2025 was organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics, and IoT Institute (MARii) with support from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). The event, themed “Shifting the Future,” reflected Malaysia’s ambition to steer the conversation on next-generation mobility, particularly timely as the nation assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025.

Spanning 50,000 square metres, the show featured more than 200 exhibitors and over 500 vehicles. Attendance soared by 31 per cent compared to the previous year, bolstered in part by a two-day extension of the event. The overwhelming public response underscored a growing appetite for cleaner, smarter, and more innovative automotive technologies.

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Fiat is preparing to reintroduce a petrol-powered version of its iconic city car, the 500, this time blending a mild-hybrid powertrain with a six-speed manual gearbox. Recently released teaser images reveal a traditional gear shifter positioned in the familiar retro-themed interior, marking a return to basics that Fiat hopes will resonate with buyers seeking charm, efficiency, and affordability over outright performance.

The upcoming 500 Hybrid will be powered by a modest 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, paired with mild-hybrid technology, delivering approximately 69hp. While modest in output, the emphasis of this model lies not in speed but in its accessible nature—a clear shift from the more premium electric 500e, which has struggled to capture a significant share of the European market.

This new version of the 500 has a somewhat unconventional origin. Fiat originally engineered the latest 500 platform exclusively for electric power, creating the 500e with the aim of embracing the EV transition. However, with lukewarm reception and slow sales of the all-electric model, exacerbated by frequent pauses in production, the brand found itself needing to pivot.

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Geely has achieved a major production milestone with the 200,000th unit of its budget-friendly electric vehicle, the Geome Xingyuan, rolling off the assembly line. This compact city EV has established itself as a serious contender in China’s entry-level electric vehicle market, where it directly rivals BYD’s high-volume Seagull.

With a starting price of 68,800 yuan (approximately RM45,000), the Xingyuan offers customers a competitive range of features for its segment. Two powertrain options are available: a 58 kW variant capable of a 310km range under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), and a more powerful 85 kW version that extends the range to 410km. These choices provide buyers with greater flexibility compared to many other vehicles in the same class.

The Xingyuan features Geely’s distinctive rounded front design and a hatchback rear profile. Measuring 4,135 mm in length, 1,805 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, it offers a relatively spacious interior, especially in the rear, giving it a practical edge over similarly sized competitors such as the Seagull or the BYD Dolphin here. The model is available in a range of colour options, including standout shades like pink and blue, and includes semi-concealed door handles for a cleaner exterior look.

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Volkswagen is preparing to usher in a new era for its iconic performance hatchbacks, confirming that fully electric versions of the celebrated Golf GTI and Golf R are in development. These upcoming models are expected to redefine the brand’s sporty DNA with zero-emission powertrains and cutting-edge technology, while retaining the character that made their predecessors legendary.

The German automaker first hinted at its electric ambitions for the GTI line-up with the unveiling of the ID.GTI concept in 2023. That prototype offered a glimpse into how Volkswagen might reinterpret its performance legacy for the electric age. Now, the carmaker has confirmed that a production version of the electric GTI, based on the forthcoming ID.2 platform, will be introduced exclusively in the European market.

In a recent discussion with AutoExpress, Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, revealed that a fully electric Golf GTI is slated for launch before the end of the decade. He expressed strong enthusiasm for the model, describing it as an exceptionally potent vehicle that will stay true to the GTI name. According to Schäfer, the electric GTI will maintain the spirit and excitement that fans of the nameplate expect, highlighting that it will be thrilling, authentic, and unmistakably a GTI despite its electric heart.

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The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety by offering specialised training for heavy vehicle drivers, according to Bernama. The training, delivered under the Safe and Defensive Driving Person (SDDP) module, is designed to equip drivers with the knowledge and skills required for safer and more responsible operation of large vehicles on Malaysian roads.

According to NIOSH vice-chairman G. Manivanan, the SDDP module was developed in collaboration with both industry experts and stakeholders, taking into account the specific challenges and demands faced by heavy vehicle drivers. The programme encompasses key components such as road legislation, vehicle maintenance, and road management practices, with a strong emphasis on accident prevention and heightened driver awareness.

The training has already been adopted by several companies operating fleets of buses and heavy vehicles. These organisations have begun using the module to enhance the competency and safety awareness of their workforce. NIOSH is now calling on other heavy vehicle operators—both in the public and private sectors—to adopt the SDDP training as a proactive measure to improve road safety.

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Stellantis has officially introduced its multi-brand Eurorepar product range to the Malaysian market. Making its debut appearance at Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2025, Eurorepar’s entry signals a strategic push to establish a stronger foothold in the country’s rapidly evolving aftermarket industry.

Established in 2002, Eurorepar offers an extensive portfolio of over 17,000 automotive parts and service references, including spare parts, accessories, tyres, lubricants, and consumables. Designed to serve a wide array of vehicle makes and models, the brand’s expansion into Malaysia reflects Stellantis’ global ambition to provide accessible, high-quality automotive solutions beyond its proprietary marques.

Complementing the product range is Eurorepar Car Service, a multi-brand workshop network that delivers expert repair and maintenance services. Operational in more than 30 countries and supported by 6,500 service centres since its inception in 2003, the network aims to shift the Malaysian vehicle servicing market away from its traditional cost-centric focus to a more quality-driven approach. This transformation is expected to empower independent service centres by offering professional-standard services at competitive rates, underpinned by the reliability of OEM-authorised parts.

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Aston Martin has taken a bold step forward in the digital transformation of its vehicles by becoming the first car manufacturer in the world to offer Apple’s next-generation CarPlay Ultra, solidifying its position at the intersection of automotive luxury and cutting-edge technology.

CarPlay Ultra, unveiled as Apple’s latest evolution of the CarPlay platform, is now available across new Aston Martin vehicles in the United States and Canada. The system will also be rolled out globally over the next 12 months and offered as an update to current models equipped with Aston Martin’s next-generation infotainment system. Customers can expect the new technology in models such as the DBX, Vantage, DB12, and Vanquish, with updates for existing vehicles to follow in the coming weeks via the brand’s dealership network.

With the introduction of CarPlay Ultra, drivers are offered a fully integrated, intuitive digital experience that connects their iPhone seamlessly with both the infotainment touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster. The technology allows for real-time information display, personalised layout options, and full-screen map and media visualisation, enabling users to tailor their in-car experience with ease.

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Following the debut of the Honda e:N1 in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia has confirmed it will introduce two additional electric vehicles (EVs) within the next three years. While specifics remain undisclosed, all signs point towards a strategic expansion aimed at cementing Honda’s presence in the Malaysian EV landscape.

The e:N1, Honda’s first EV offering in the country, is positioned in the B-segment SUV class, making it a compelling choice for city drivers and compact crossover enthusiasts. However, Honda’s next moves are expected to broaden its EV appeal, likely targeting higher segments with more advanced offerings.

One strong possibility is the introduction of models from Honda’s upcoming 0 Series, a new global EV lineup first revealed at CES 2024. At the forefront of this range is the Honda 0 Series Saloon, a striking fastback concept defined by its low, aerodynamic profile and Honda’s new “Thin, Light, and Wise” design philosophy. This concept signals the company’s future vision for EVs, combining cutting-edge technology, extended driving range, and intelligent driver assistance systems.

Saloon

Should the 0 Series Saloon be adapted for the Malaysian market, even partially, it would likely serve as a flagship model, symbolising Honda’s long-term electrification ambitions with a premium product to rival models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y.

Saloon

Another contender is the Honda 0 Series Space-Hub, previewed alongside the Saloon. Featuring a boxy, upright silhouette and a focus on spacious interiors, the Space-Hub is designed for versatility, potentially catering to urban families, ride-hailing services, or even light commercial logistics.

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In a decisive move to promote road safety and sustainable mobility, Proton has officially launched the Proton Xchange Programme, an initiative encouraging owners of old and unroadworthy vehicles to trade them in for brand-new Proton models, including the highly popular Proton e.MAS 7.

The launch, held at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya, was officiated by the Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, with key Proton figures including Chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar and Chief Executive Officer Dr Li Chunrong present. The event also welcomed representatives from Car Medic Sdn Bhd, the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ), the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), and the Malaysian Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).

As part of the initiative, Proton is working in collaboration with Car Medic Sdn Bhd, a Department of Environment (DOE)-certified and JPJ-appointed authorised automotive treatment facility (AATF), to manage the safe deregistration and environmentally responsible disposal of old vehicles. The programme is open to all car brands, not just Proton owners.

To make the programme viable and attractive, Proton has allocated RM4.8 million for the pilot phase, which runs until the end of December 2025. Eligible participants will receive RM2,000 in overtrade support towards the purchase of a new Proton vehicle. This includes the Proton e.MAS 7, which currently holds the title of Malaysia’s best-selling electric vehicle. Loke also stated that eligible participants will receive a one-year free road tax as a contribution from the government towards this initiative. 

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