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BYD Confirms CKD Factory in Malaysia, Production Starts 2026

BYD Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, has confirmed plans to establish a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) factory in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Spanning 600,000 square metres, the plant is expected to begin vehicle production in 2026, marking a significant step in making electric mobility more accessible, competitive, and affordable for Malaysian customers.

The investment reflects BYD’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in Malaysia and broaden the availability of electric vehicles (EVs) for local buyers.

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New BYD SEAL Arrives in Malaysia with Sharper Performance and Greater Comfort

BYD Sime Motors has officially introduced the latest BYD SEAL to the Malaysian market, offering buyers a choice of two refined variants – Premium and Performance.

Building on the success of its predecessor, which secured the title of Malaysia’s best-selling electric sedan in 2024, the updated SEAL promises stronger driving dynamics, greater comfort, and more advanced features.

The new model has been positioned to sustain the brand’s momentum in the local EV segment. Sime Motors emphasised that with the upgraded SEAL and the forthcoming CKD (Completely Knocked Down) production, BYD is set to strengthen its position as Malaysia’s leading battery electric vehicle brand.

The Performance variant headlines the line-up, sprinting from 0–100km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It comes fitted with the DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System, a suspension technology designed to sharpen handling and improve stability at high speeds. Enhancing its sporty character further are distinctive red brake callipers, unique to this version.

For those prioritising range and comfort, the Premium variant delivers an impressive 650 km NEDC driving range. It features Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) shock absorbers, which adapt to varying road conditions, offering a balanced ride that blends comfort with precise control.

Both variants receive notable design enhancements, including newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels, an electric sunshade for the panoramic sunroof, a BYD Digital Key with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, and even a dedicated sunglass holder for added convenience.

The SEAL is available in four exterior colours – Aurora White, Atlantis Grey, Cosmos Black, and a new Shark Grey option, giving buyers a fresh palette to choose from.

Pricing for the new SEAL begins at RM171,800 for the Premium variant and RM191,800 for the Performance variant. To commemorate the launch, the first 300 customers will benefit from the exclusive “SEAL THE DEAL” package, valued at up to RM10,888. The package includes a complimentary wall charger, a service package, and a special launch rebate.

Bookings for the new BYD SEAL are now open at BYD outlets nationwide.

Alongside the model launch, BYD Sime Motors, in collaboration with Wing Hin Ventures Sdn Bhd, has officially opened Malaysia’s largest BYD 3S Centre in Balakong. The facility underscores the brand’s rapid expansion, bringing the total number of BYD outlets across the country to 36.

Spanning 3,360 square metres across three levels, the Balakong centre is designed to deliver a comprehensive and premium ownership experience.

It houses two full showroom floors, 10 fully equipped service bays, a dedicated office floor and a 1,514 square metre after-sales area. BYD Sime Motors highlighted that the new facility demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, with after-sales care being a core pillar of its strategy.

The expansion of the retail and service network forms part of BYD’s broader plan to make electric vehicle ownership in Malaysia more accessible and convenient, ensuring that both sales and after-sales support match the expectations of a fast-growing customer base.

All-New Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel Arrives in Malaysia – 250PS, 600Nm of Torque!

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (Auto ConneXion), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has officially introduced the all-new Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel at Heritage Valley Kuala Lumpur. Positioned as the most powerful WildTrak yet, the new variant combines rugged capability with refined comfort, making it a versatile choice for those who demand both performance and practicality from their pickup.

The highlight of the new model lies under the bonnet, where a class-leading 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine produces 250PS at 3,250rpm and an impressive 600Nm of torque from as low as 1,750rpm. This powertrain sets a new benchmark in its segment, paired with a full-time four-wheel drive system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can switch between six modes – Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand – ensuring confident performance across urban roads, highways, and more demanding off-road terrain.

The exterior design reflects its muscular character, featuring Performance LED lighting with best-in-class Matrix LED headlamps, signature C-clamp daytime running lights, and new 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 R20 tyres. A full-size spare wheel, V6 badging on the front fender, and power-adjustable side mirrors with puddle lamps add further appeal to the pickup’s premium yet purposeful look.

Inside, the cabin balances practicality with technology-driven comfort. A 12-inch infotainment display with Ford’s SYNC® 4A system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, while an 8-inch TFT Multi-Information Display ensures key driving data is easily accessible. Wireless charging, a windscreen-mounted USB port for dashcams, and a modernised interior design bring added convenience to everyday driving.

Ford has also equipped the WildTrak V6 with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance features. Among these are the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Post-Collision Braking. Together, these features offer a higher level of safety and assurance for both drivers and passengers.

Beyond performance and technology, Auto ConneXion is extending value to early buyers. Customers who secure the WildTrak V6 within the launch window will benefit from a complimentary two-year extended service package, a limited-edition cooler bag upon delivery, and an exclusive Ford camping chair for online bookings.

The pickup is offered in four striking colours – Arctic White, Absolute Black, Luxe Yellow and Meteor Grey – with prices starting from RM192,888 (on-the-road without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia.

Auto ConneXion is also enhancing the ownership experience through expanded aftersales initiatives. The Ford Mobile Service (FMS), which allows vehicles to be serviced at customers’ doorsteps, has been rolled out in Ara Damansara and Petaling Jaya, with more dealerships nationwide set to offer the service soon. Vehicle pick-up and delivery services are also available at these outlets, while Ford’s Express Service network now covers 15 dealers nationwide, making regular maintenance faster and more convenient.

With the arrival of the new Ford Ranger WildTrak 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel, Malaysian buyers now have access to a pickup that blends bold design, powerful V6 performance, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced safety in one uncompromising package.

Neta Auto Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment Amid Restructuring

Neta Auto Malaysia has moved to clarify concerns following recent reports questioning the status of its operations in the country. The brand confirmed that it remains very much alive and operational, with sales, after-sales, warranties and spare parts support continuing without interruption.

The confusion arose after the closure of Neta’s Glenmarie facility, which some had taken as a sign of the company’s withdrawal from Malaysia. Neta has since explained that the closure formed part of a planned restructuring exercise announced earlier in June 2025. The move was made to streamline operations in line with evolving market dynamics and the global direction of its principal.

Far from pulling out, Neta has relocated its service centre to Accentra Glenmarie, just a short distance from its previous site. Although signage and infrastructure adjustments were still in progress when the earlier article was published, the new facility has been open and serving customers. The company admitted that communication around the relocation could have been clearer, but said steps have since been taken to improve transparency, including enhanced engagement with Neta owners.

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Proton’s Young Talent Programme Driving Malaysia’s Automotive Future

When Proton was founded in 1983, it was tasked with more than just producing a national car. The company was entrusted with the responsibility of driving Malaysia’s economic transformation from a resource-based economy into one focused on manufacturing. In the process, Proton also reshaped personal mobility, putting cars within reach of the rakyat while spreading skills, investments and industrialisation across the nation.

Forty-two years later, the national carmaker continues to play a pivotal role — not just in building cars, but in developing people. As the automotive industry undergoes its most profound transformation in history, Proton recognises that success no longer rests solely on manufacturing capability but on advanced technologies, global partnerships and the cultivation of a new generation of talent ready for electrification and beyond.

Malaysia, however, faces a challenge. Despite a 10 per cent increase in STEM enrolment over the past five years, there remains a shortage of skilled workers in critical areas such as Artificial Intelligence, digital literacy and green technologies. Proton sees this gap not as a hindrance but as an opportunity, positioning itself as a training ground for the next wave of industry leaders.

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Omoda C9 PHEV Breaks Cover in Malaysia – A Luxury SUV with Supercar Punch

Sharing the spotlight at the OMODA | JAECOO Carnival is the Omoda C9 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV coupé that promises electrified performance unlike anything else in the segment.

The C9 PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with three electric motors, delivering a jaw-dropping 605PS and 915Nm of torque under optimal conditions. This setup launches the SUV from 0–100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Despite the massive output, efficiency is a core focus. A 34.46 kWh LFP battery gives the SUV up to 150km of pure EV range and a total range of around 1,100km. Charging is versatile, supporting 70 kW DC fast charging as well as 6.6 kW and 2.8 kW AC options. Fuel economy is an impressive 1.7 L/100km (WLTC).

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Jaecoo J5 Makes Malaysian Debut – The Everyday Superstar Crossover

OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia has pulled the wraps off the Jaecoo J5, previewing it for the first time at the ongoing Carnival in Desa ParkCity, Kuala Lumpur. The compact B-segment crossover is positioned as the brand’s “Everyday Superstar”, aimed at young families and urban drivers looking for practicality without compromising on style and technology.

The Jaecoo J5 stands at 4,380mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,650mm tall, with a 2,620mm wheelbase, slightly longer than a Proton X50. It rides on 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels with 235/55 R18 tyres, combining stability with a touch of sportiness.

Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out 147PS and 210Nm, paired to a CVT. Fuel efficiency is rated at 7.5 L/100km (WLTC), making it a frugal daily driver while still offering enough punch for highway runs.

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BYD Opens World’s Largest Driving Experience Centre in Zhengzhou

Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled what can only be described as the ultimate playground for car enthusiasts, a sprawling all-terrain driving experience centre in Zhengzhou. The facility combines a race track, off-road courses, water challenges, and even a Guinness World Record-certified sand incline, making it unlike anything offered by other car manufacturers, including Europe’s most prestigious brands.

At the heart of the centre lies a 1.7-kilometre circuit featuring nine corners and a 550-metre straight. The design allows BYD’s most powerful models, including the all-electric YangWang U9, to hit speeds of up to 220km/h. Adjacent to the track is a massive 164,687 square-foot paddock built for slalom manoeuvres, moose tests, and demonstrations of automated parking technology.

For those seeking something more unconventional, BYD has created a low-friction zone made from 30,000 smooth basalt bricks, kept constantly wet to replicate the challenges of driving on snow and ice. The automaker has even constructed a 70-metre-long pool. This unusual addition exists not for leisure but to showcase the YangWang U8’s ability to float and move slowly across water thanks to its advanced electric powertrain, a capability unheard of in the industry.

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Works Ministry Resolves Over 95% of MyJalan Road Damage Complaints

The Ministry of Works (KKR) has announced significant progress in addressing public road complaints received through the MyJalan application, with 11,860 cases resolved out of 12,459 submissions. This represents a resolution rate of 95.19 per cent, while the remaining 599 cases, or 4.81 per cent, are still under investigation or pending necessary action.

According to Bernama, since its launch in August 2023, the MyJalan app has attracted 54,330 registered users, who collectively submitted 40,938 complaints. However, not all of these fell directly under KKR’s jurisdiction. In line with the No Wrong Door policy, a total of 28,479 cases, amounting to 69.57 per cent, were redirected to the appropriate authorities. These included roads maintained by municipal councils, village administrators, agricultural bodies, state governments, and agencies such as the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).

Beyond addressing road safety through the app, KKR is also pressing ahead with major infrastructure upgrades. On the East-West Highway, traffic flow remains within manageable levels according to 2024 census data, yet a RM100 million rehabilitation project has been commissioned. The project, scheduled for completion in 2026, covers resurfacing works, improvements to street lighting, and structural upgrades, alongside detailed studies, surveys, and the maintenance of both pavement and non-pavement assets.

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Proton Launches Nationwide Photography Contest Celebrating the Spirit of Proton

Proton has announced the launch of a nationwide photography contest designed to capture the passion, pride, and everyday stories of Malaysians with their Proton vehicles. Running from 18 August to 30 September 2025, the competition carries the theme “Lens of Proton: Beauty in Every Detail”, and invites participants to showcase how Proton plays a role in their lives, going beyond its image as just a car manufacturer.

The initiative, themed “More Than Cars – Show Us Your Proton Story”, encourages creativity and personal expression. Entrants can submit photographs that portray their Proton in meaningful contexts, whether on the open road, during cherished family moments, or through artistic perspectives that highlight the brand’s place in Malaysian culture.

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