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Proton Establishes International Subsidiary to Spearhead Global Expansion

Proton Holdings Berhad has formally launched a new subsidiary, Proton International Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB), in a strategic move to reinforce its global expansion ambitions. The establishment of PICSB, which operates as a wholly owned unit of Proton, is intended to provide greater flexibility and efficiency in navigating diverse international markets.

The newly created entity will be led by Edmund Lim Meng Thong, previously the Director of Proton’s International Sales Division. Now serving as the Chief Executive Officer of PICSB, Lim is tasked with executing Proton’s aggressive export strategy, with a firm focus on scaling operations across the Global South, while strengthening the brand’s presence in existing overseas markets.

Export performance has become a cornerstone of Proton’s growth plans, and the creation of PICSB reflects this shift in focus. Proton’s long-term vision includes a tenfold increase in export volumes over the next five years. As of 2025, Proton leads vehicle export volumes from Malaysia and is reinforcing this leadership through a sharper international strategy.

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Art of Speed 2025 Ignites Serdang with International Flair and Local Passion

The 14th edition of Art of Speed (AOS 2025) thundered into the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from 26 to 27 July, captivating thousands of automotive enthusiasts and reaffirming its place as Malaysia’s definitive celebration of custom culture. This year’s event offered more than just a car show; it delivered a full-spectrum lifestyle experience, infused with international energy and homegrown talent.

Global Icons in Attendance

This year’s AOS drew renowned guests from around the globe, lending weight to its growing international stature. Among them were Shige Suganuma and Hiro “Wildman” Ishii from Japan’s legendary MOONEYES, Hot Wheels designer Brendon Vetuskey from the United States, and motorcycle builder Yuichi Yoshizawa from Custom Works Zon, Japan. Notable contributors also included Australia’s Mark Hawwa of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Indonesia’s SixtySick Paintlab collective, and prominent media partners like Pipeburn, Vibes Magazine, and 645 Magazine.

A New Gateway into Speed Culture

Visitors were greeted by a reimagined AOS gateway, an all-LED display that lit up the venue with vivid animations and set the stage for the weekend’s high-octane festivities. It quickly became a social media sensation and symbolised AOS’s bold evolution while preserving its grassroots ethos.

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Jetour Launches Local Assembly Operations in Malaysia, Signalling Strong Commitment to ASEAN Growth

Jetour Auto Malaysia has officially launched local assembly for its popular SUV models, the Jetour Dashing and VT9, at the Berjaya Assembly Sdn. Bhd. (B-Assembly) plant in Tampoi, Johor Bahru. The commencement of production at this facility marks a major milestone in the company’s regional strategy and reflects its deepening commitment to the Malaysian automotive industry.

The local assembly takes place within B-Assembly’s expansive 640,000 square foot manufacturing site, supported by a dedicated workforce of over 100 staff. This operation positions Malaysia not only as a key production base but also as a strategic distribution centre for Jetour’s ASEAN operations. The initiative is closely aligned with the Malaysian government’s vision for a more localised, technologically advanced, and job-generating automotive sector.

Jetour International’s Vice President, Wen Qiangkang, described the development as a vital step in the brand’s long-term investment in Malaysia. He explained that assembling the Dashing and VT9 domestically represents more than just a manufacturing expansion — it is also a strategic investment in local talent, innovation, and future mobility.

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JPJ Issues Over 1,100 Summonses in Nationwide Bus Seat Belt Crackdown

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has taken firm action against non-compliance with seat belt regulations, issuing a total of 1,194 summonses to both bus drivers and passengers across the country since the launch of its Special Operation on Seat Belt Usage on 1 July.

According to Bernama, JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli stated that the majority of offences were committed by passengers, who accounted for 1,108 of the total summonses. Bus drivers received 62 summonses, while another 24 cases involved vehicles that had not been equipped with seat belts as required by law.

Despite numerous reminders, many of those caught without seat belts attempted to justify their actions by claiming ignorance of the regulations or stating that they were unaware of the enforcement being formally gazetted. Aedy Fadly firmly dismissed such explanations, pointing out that investigations showed most bus companies had either announced the requirement verbally or displayed signage urging passengers to fasten their seat belts.

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Ferrari 849 Testarossa Trademark Filing Sparks Speculation of Modern Revival

Ferrari’s victory in reclaiming the legal rights to the iconic “Testarossa” name appears to be more than a symbolic gesture, as the Italian marque has swiftly moved to trademark the name “Ferrari 849 Testarossa” in Iceland. The filing, discovered less than a month after the conclusion of a protracted legal battle in Europe, suggests the legendary moniker may soon be revived on a new model—potentially as part of Ferrari’s ultra-limited Icona Series.

The trademark registration follows a recent decision by the European Union General Court, which overturned the European Intellectual Property Office’s earlier ruling that the Testarossa trademark was no longer valid due to alleged inactivity. The court sided with Ferrari, affirming that activities such as selling spare parts, licensing the name, and producing scale models constituted legitimate use, allowing Ferrari to reassert global control over one of its most storied badges.

The “849” prefix attached to the newly filed name aligns with Ferrari’s contemporary model naming convention, seen in vehicles like the 812 Superfast and 296 GTB. While the exact significance of “849” remains unclear, it has fuelled widespread speculation that Maranello could be preparing to unveil a successor to the original Testarossa—one of the most recognisable and revered Ferraris of the 1980s and 1990s.

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Mitsubishi Marks Full Exit from China’s Auto Manufacturing Amid EV Industry Overhaul

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has formally ended its decades-long manufacturing involvement in China by dissolving its joint venture with Shenyang Aerospace Mit. Engine Mfg. Ltd., marking the final step in its withdrawal from the Chinese automotive sector. The move follows the cessation of Mitsubishi’s local vehicle production in 2023 and is being seen as a strategic response to the sweeping transformation of China’s car industry, now heavily dominated by electric vehicles (EVs).

The joint venture, Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi, was established in August 1997 and had played a central role in Mitsubishi’s operations in China. The engine plant, which began production in 1998, manufactured powertrains for both Mitsubishi’s own models and a wide range of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers. However, on 2 July 2025, the entity was officially rebranded as Shenyang Guoqing Power Technology Co., Ltd., following the exit of Mitsubishi Motors and Mitsubishi Corporation as shareholders.

In announcing its exit, Mitsubishi Motors cited the accelerated transformation of China’s automotive landscape, particularly its rapid adoption of electrified vehicles, as the key reason for its strategic pullout. The company signalled that this decision was part of a broader reassessment of its regional business focus.

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Hyundai Motor Posts Record Quarterly Revenue Despite Dip in Profits

Hyundai Motor Company has reported a record-breaking revenue performance for the second quarter of 2025, despite experiencing declines in both operating and net profit as global competition intensifies and trade pressures mount.

For the April–June period, the South Korean carmaker recorded revenue of RM159.35 billion, marking a 7.3% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. This stands as Hyundai’s highest-ever quarterly revenue to date, reflecting strong global demand for its popular SUV and hybrid models.

However, the surge in revenue was not mirrored in profitability. Operating profit fell by 15.8% year-on-year to RM11.89 billion, while net profit slipped by 22.1% to RM10.73 billion, inclusive of non-controlling interests. The company attributed the downturn to rising incentives amid stiffening industry rivalry, alongside persistent headwinds in the global trade environment.

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Leapmotor B01 Electric Sedan Debuts in China with 650km Range

Leapmotor has officially launched its all-electric B01 sedan in China, introducing a highly competitive model across six variants that combine aerodynamic efficiency, modern electric powertrains, and advanced driver assistance features. The B01 offers three range options—430 km, 550 km, and 650 km (CLTC standard)—and caters to different performance and tech expectations at prices starting from just RM58,900.

The variant line-up includes the 430 Comfort Edition priced at 89,800 yuan (approximately RM58,900), 550 Comfort at 95,800 yuan (RM62,900), 550 Enjoy at 103,800 yuan (RM68,100), and 550 LiDAR Edition at 113,800 yuan (RM74,700). The longer-range 650 Enjoy Edition comes in at 109,800 yuan (RM72,100), while the flagship 650 LiDAR Edition tops the list at 119,800 yuan (RM78,700).

Built on the manufacturer’s LEAP 3.5 modular platform, the B01 boasts a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.197 Cd. In terms of size, it measures 4,770 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm—positioning it closely alongside the Tesla Model 3 in the mid-size electric sedan segment. Depending on the trim, the curb weight ranges from 1,550 kg to 1,711 kg.

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The Honda Prelude Will be a Blend of Type R Underpinnings and Civic Hybrid Power

Honda is preparing to reintroduce the Prelude nameplate with a compelling blend of performance engineering and hybrid efficiency, setting it apart from the rest of the Civic-based range. The revived model will stand out by featuring the same dual-axis front suspension setup found in the acclaimed Civic Type R, combined with that model’s wider front track and high-performance Brembo brakes. However, instead of being driven by a turbocharged engine, the new Prelude will employ the powertrain from the Civic Hybrid.

This unique pairing of the Civic Hybrid’s electrified power system with the precision handling of the Type R chassis is expected to create a car without direct rivals in the market. While some manufacturers have explored the idea of combining hybrid technology with performance applications, it remains an unconventional strategy across the industry.

Honda appears to be positioning the new Prelude as a grand tourer rather than a full-blown sports coupe. This direction preserves certain elements from previous generations, including its two-door, front-wheel-drive configuration. However, enthusiasts hoping for the return of a manual transmission will be disappointed. Unlike the CR-Z hybrid, which proudly offered a six-speed manual gearbox, the latest iteration of the Prelude will forgo that option entirely.

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All-New Proton X50 Officially Launched from RM89,800

Proton has officially launched the All-New Proton X50, unveiling a bold reinterpretation of its best-selling B-segment SUV. Building upon the formidable foundation laid by the original X50, first introduced in October 2020 and having surpassed 134,000 units sold, the revamped model signals a major evolution in Proton’s SUV strategy, bringing with it enhanced styling, upgraded interior refinement, and a suite of cutting-edge technologies.

The redesigned X50 departs significantly from its predecessor in both appearance and function. Externally, it adopts a sportier and more sophisticated aesthetic, courtesy of a redesigned front grille and bumper, a sleeker rear spoiler, and quad exhaust outlets that accentuate the SUV’s aggressive rear stance. A fresh two-tone exterior paint scheme injects a sense of modernity, while newly designed alloy wheels add a touch of intricacy to the overall silhouette. In addition to returning favourites such as Snow White, Passion Red, Jet Grey, and Armour Silver, the new Teal Bayou Green colourway debuts as a standout option.

Inside, the transformation is just as pronounced. Proton has elevated the premium feel of the cabin with generous use of soft-touch materials and a reimagined layout, including a floating floor console and luxury-inspired column gear shifters. A particular highlight is the introduction of a 72-colour rhythmic ambient lighting system, offering drivers and passengers the ability to tailor the cabin’s ambience to their preferences.

The centrepiece of the updated technology suite is a striking 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, which now offers full integration with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Further enhancing user interaction is a voice recognition feature that supports Bahasa Melayu, underlining Proton’s focus on localised innovation and accessibility for Malaysian motorists. The newly improved Proton Link 2.0 smartphone app allows users to remotely start the engine and air-conditioning, check vehicle status in real time, and schedule service appointments directly from their mobile devices.

In terms of safety, Proton has enhanced the X50’s existing 5-star ASEAN NCAP credentials with the inclusion of a refined Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). A new Rear Side Radar System (RSRS) significantly improves blind spot monitoring, while the updated Auto Park Assist system simplifies tight urban manoeuvres. A next-generation 360-degree HD camera has also been introduced, complete with a 180-degree undercarriage transparent view that allows for unparalleled visibility around and underneath the vehicle.

Performance has not been left behind in this overhaul. The All-New X50 is powered by the latest 1.5-litre i-GT turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder engine, producing 181PS and 290Nm of torque. Coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds—0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model. Alongside this performance gain is a 4.7% improvement in fuel efficiency, offering a more economical drive without sacrificing dynamic engagement.

Official prices for the all-new Proton X50 start from RM89,800 for the executive variant, RM101,800 for the premium variant and RM113,300 for the flagship variant.

The first 10,000 customers get a RM4,000 cash rebate!

The first 10,000 customers also get a five year warranty with unlimited mileage, six times free labour service, upgraded five year in car data package which is 2GB per month and trade in support up to RM2,000.