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Hyundai STARIA Goes Local as Hyundai Motor Malaysia Begins Sales of CKD Model

Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) has officially begun sales of the locally assembled Hyundai STARIA. Produced at Inokom’s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah — operated under Sime Darby Motors — the STARIA becomes the first locally produced model under HMY since its establishment earlier this year.

The move represents more than just a manufacturing milestone. Hyundai Motor Malaysia President, Eric Lee, said the start of local production reflects Hyundai’s confidence in Malaysia’s potential as both a key market and an emerging assembly hub within the brand’s global network. He noted that the investment is part of Hyundai’s long-term commitment to build a stronger presence in Malaysia, not only through product offerings but also through local industrial development.

The introduction of the CKD STARIA also signals Hyundai’s broader commitment to local investment and supply chain growth. Beyond assembling vehicles, HMY aims to contribute to the local economy by supporting Malaysia’s expanding automotive ecosystem. This initiative aligns with the brand’s long-term goal of positioning itself as both a mobility solutions provider and a strategic partner in Malaysia’s industrial development.

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BHPetrol Answers Your BUDI95 Questions

With the launch of the Budi95 targeted petrol subsidy, many are still struggling to come to terms on how it works.

While we can all agree that the targeted subsidy program benefits everyone but using it has not been easy.

This is because every pump is different and thus the method to claim your allocated 300 litres per month is not the same at different fuel stations.

Recognising this issue, BHPetrol has launched a slew of social media content designed to help users better understand the process.

The content includes “3 easy steps to use Budi95”, “You ask, we answer,” “How to check your Budi95 balance”, and more.

We have shared some of the content below for your reference, so if you have questions about Budi95, BHPetrol has your answer, visit any of BHPetrol’s social media platforms to find out more. (more…)

Proton e.MAS 5 Draws 3,000 Bookings in First Week as Malaysians Embrace Affordable EV Ownership

PRO-NET, the electric vehicle arm of national automaker Proton, has hit a major milestone with the Proton e.MAS 5 — Malaysia’s first truly affordable EV, securing 3,000 bookings within its first week of availability. Even more impressively, over half of that figure came within the first 24 hours, signalling an overwhelming response from Malaysian buyers eager to make the switch to electric mobility.

The e.MAS 5’s strong debut follows the success of its larger sibling, the Proton e.MAS 7, which continues to dominate the local EV market in 2025. As of the end of September, Proton has sold a total of 6,655 units of the e.MAS 7, including 443 units exported to neighbouring markets.

With a 24% share of Malaysia’s EV segment, the model has held its position as the country’s best-selling electric vehicle for nine consecutive months — an achievement that has clearly boosted confidence in the brand’s growing EV line-up.

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Mercedes-Benz Unveils Vision Iconic — Redefining the Future of Luxury Mobility

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the Vision Iconic, a concept car that marks a new chapter in the brand’s design and technology direction. The show car blends the timeless elegance associated with Mercedes with modern electric and digital innovations, offering a preview of how the brand envisions the future of luxury motoring.

The most distinctive feature of the Vision Iconic is its illuminated “iconic grille,” inspired by classic models such as the 600 Pullman and W108. The grille features a broad chrome frame with an intricate glass pattern and integrated lighting elements. The illuminated three-pointed star on the bonnet reinforces the car’s futuristic presence, combining tradition and technology in a single statement design.

Finished in high-gloss black, the Vision Iconic also adopts narrow, contemporary headlights and dynamic lighting animations that extend across the grille and bonnet emblem. This approach signals Mercedes-Benz’s continued exploration of light as a design language — transforming it into a medium for expression and emotion rather than mere functionality.

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Chery Malaysia Celebrates Sales Advisors and Marks Milestone in Professional Training

Chery Malaysia recently held its Sales Advisors’ Appreciation Dinner, bringing together its nationwide sales team to celebrate their commitment and achievements. The event marked a significant milestone for the brand, with 77 Sales Advisors graduating from the Chery Certified Sales Professional (CCSP) Programme — a homegrown initiative aimed at raising the bar for customer engagement and product expertise across Chery’s dealerships in Malaysia.

The CCSP Programme, which began in April 2025, reflects Chery Malaysia’s focus on developing a knowledgeable, confident, and customer-oriented sales network. It is a mandatory certification for all Sales Advisors with at least six months of experience and combines classroom learning with practical assessments. Over the course of three months, participants go through comprehensive training designed to equip them with the skills to match customers with the right Chery model, while effectively explaining the brand’s growing range of advanced technologies and features.

At the event, Chery Malaysia Vice President, Lee Wen Hsiang, emphasised that the company’s frontline staff play a crucial role in shaping the ownership experience. He stated that Sales Advisors are not only representatives of the brand but also the bridge between the customer and the technology behind every Chery vehicle. He explained that as the company’s product range evolves — particularly with innovations such as the Chery Super Hybrid system — continuous learning ensures that the sales team grows in tandem, delivering accurate information and a memorable showroom experience.

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Mercedes-Benz Teases Bold New Era with Massive Illuminated Grille Design

Mercedes-Benz seems ready to push illuminated design further than ever before. The brand’s latest electric vehicles have already made headlines for their light-up front ends, and now, a new teaser from design chief Gorden Wagener suggests that the next generation of Mercedes EVs will take the idea to a whole new level.

The teaser image, shared on Wagener’s Instagram, reveals the front of what looks like a new luxury sedan with a tall, glowing grille that dominates the design. The outline is framed by bright illumination, while the signature three-pointed star sits proudly in the centre — and lights up too. The proportions and upright stance immediately recall classic Mercedes saloons like the “Fintail” W112 and W113, and the later W108 and W109 generations, all known for their dignified, vertical front ends.

While Mercedes design has evolved in recent years towards lower, sleeker profiles, this new approach feels like a bold blend of old-world prestige and futuristic confidence. The upright grille and illuminated emblem give off strong hints that this could preview the all-electric successor to the S-Class — a model already confirmed to be in development on the brand’s upcoming MB.EA platform.

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Toyota Previews a Bold New Corolla Concept Ahead of Japan Mobility Show

Toyota has unveiled a striking new interpretation of the Corolla, offering a glimpse into the next evolution of the popular nameplate. Revealed during a livestream event in Japan that also featured a six-wheeled Lexus LS minivan and a raised Century coupe, the Corolla concept stood out as one of the most intriguing debuts of the showcase.

Although officially labelled a concept, several cues suggest that this new Corolla is close to production readiness. Traditional side mirrors, for instance, hint at a practical rather than purely experimental design. More notably, the presence of a fuel cap on the front fender points to an electric powertrain — though Toyota has yet to confirm whether it’s a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid.

An electric version of the Corolla seems almost inevitable, given Toyota’s gradual but deliberate expansion into EVs. However, it’s difficult to imagine the brand abandoning combustion power entirely for such a globally significant nameplate. The Corolla remains central to Toyota’s global sales, and with the company’s ongoing belief that full electrification will not dominate every market, internal combustion variants are expected to remain part of the lineup for years to come.

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Porsche Malaysia Completes Its First Full Classic 911 Restoration

Deep within the workshop of Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, a slice of motoring history has been reborn. Porsche Malaysia has achieved a major milestone with the completion of its first full ground-up restoration of a classic 911 T, a project carried out entirely in-house by technicians trained and certified under the Porsche Classic Partner programme.

The result is more than just a restored car; it’s a precise recreation of an automotive icon brought back to life with the same care and craftsmanship it received when it first left the factory.

The process was a painstaking one, driven by an obsession with authenticity. Over many months, the team completely dismantled the car — every bolt, panel, and mechanical component was catalogued, refinished, and rebuilt to match the exact specifications outlined in Porsche’s original factory documentation. The restoration followed the brand’s strict international standards, ensuring that every element met the marque’s expectations for quality and historical accuracy.

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iCAUR Malaysia Opens Flagship Dealership In Damansara

iCAUR Malaysia has officially opened iCAUR Damansara, its flagship dealership in Malaysia, marking a significant step in the brand’s expansion and its goal of redefining the electric vehicle ownership experience in the country. The outlet is owned and operated by Carramax Luxe Sdn. Bhd.

Spanning around 40,000 square feet, iCAUR Damansara is designed to combine accessibility, convenience, and premium service within Greater Kuala Lumpur. The facility houses a showroom capable of displaying up to eight vehicles, a dedicated delivery bay, and five EV charging bays exclusively for customers.

The dealership also prioritises comfort and engagement. Its customer lounge features complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee, soft drinks, and light refreshments, as well as two Nintendo consoles for visitors to enjoy.

On the service front, iCAUR Damansara is equipped with eight service bays and a full Body and Paint (B&P) centre with aluminium body repair capabilities and advanced tools. Additional services include accessories installation, vehicle wrapping, and Paint Protection Film (PPF) applications, providing a complete after-sales solution under one roof.

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GWM Malaysia Opens Bookings for the New Ora Good Cat and Good Cat GT — Prices Start from RM115,000

GWM Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the new Ora Good Cat and the sportier Ora Good Cat GT, with prices starting from RM115,000.

First introduced to Malaysia in 2023, the Ora Good Cat was among the earliest fully electric hatchbacks from China to enter the local market. Its combination of retro-inspired design, premium features, and practical driving range quickly made it popular among city-based EV buyers.

The latest line-up builds on that success. The updated Ora Good Cat now features refreshed styling and improved comfort, while the Ora Good Cat GT adds a sportier character and enhanced performance. Both models continue GWM’s “Extra Good EV” philosophy, combining design, technology, and safety in a more refined package.

The new Ora Good Cat showcases a design that balances contemporary flair with everyday usability. Its smooth and responsive drive is matched by an upgraded suite of safety systems and driver assistance technologies. GWM describes it as an EV that delivers “everything and a little extra,” reflecting its goal of making electric mobility more rewarding and accessible.