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Proton Rides Sales Surge with Strong July Performance

Proton has entered the second half of 2025 on a high note, recording a marked rebound in sales as the Malaysian car market recovered from a sluggish June. The national automaker registered 13,518 units sold in July, a 22.1 per cent increase over the previous month, bringing its year-to-date total to 85,674 units. This performance has secured Proton second place in the national sales rankings.

The company’s market share for July is estimated at 19.2 per cent, with the year-to-date figure standing at 19.3 per cent – an improvement of 0.6 percentage points compared with the full-year share of 18.7 per cent achieved in 2024, a record-breaking year for the Malaysian automotive industry. The Total Industry Volume for July is projected at 70,545 units, representing a 28.7 per cent rise from June and ranking as the second-highest monthly figure for 2025.

The newly launched Proton X50 was a major driver of last month’s growth. Introduced on 24 July, the B-segment SUV saw 999 units delivered in its first week, contributing to a total of 2,068 units for the month – the third time this year the model has surpassed the 2,000-unit mark.

With an updated exterior, enhanced interior, new intelligent features, and a marketing push aimed at younger buyers, the X50 has quickly gained momentum both online and in showrooms. Production is expected to reach 5,000 units by the end of August, with bookings approaching five figures, setting the stage for another strong month ahead.

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Johor Pushes for Tougher Laws on Foreign Vehicles Using Subsidised Fuel

The Johor state government has renewed calls for the federal administration to tighten existing laws to enable direct action against owners of foreign-registered vehicles caught purchasing subsidised RON95 petrol.

According to NST, Johor’s Investment, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources executive committee chairman, Lee Ting Han, stated that the proposal had been put forward to the federal government four months ago. He explained that under current regulations, enforcement measures can only be taken against petrol station operators, leaving foreign motorists who breach the rules largely untouched by legal consequences.

Lee stated that the state government intends to persist in lobbying for an amendment that would grant officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry the authority to penalise offenders directly. He stressed that such changes are necessary to protect national resources and ensure compliance with Malaysian law.

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Honda Marks 60 Years Since Historic F1 Victory with Limited-Edition RA272 Models

Honda has announced a collaboration with renowned scale model maker Amalgam to produce a limited run of meticulously hand-built replicas of the RA272 Formula 1 car, commemorating the 60th anniversary of its first Grand Prix victory.

The collection will feature just 30 models at 1:8 scale, each priced at USD 28,995 (approximately RM135,000), alongside 300 units at 1:18 scale costing USD 1,735 (around RM8,000). Built as collector’s items rather than playthings, these precision-crafted pieces are aimed squarely at enthusiasts and serious collectors.

The Japanese manufacturer is marking the landmark of its 1965 Mexico Grand Prix triumph, a race that saw Richie Ginther steer the RA272 to Honda’s first-ever Formula 1 win, and the first for any Japanese car, engine, or team. Remarkably, this achievement came just two years after the company entered the automotive market.

Each model consists of over 1,600 precision-engineered components and will be supplied with a signed certificate of authenticity and a commemorative booklet from Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe. Amalgam, known for its highly detailed scale replicas of iconic cars, many carrying five-figure price tags, is regarded as a natural partner for the project.

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Over 1,000 High-Risk Road Areas Identified for Urgent Safety Upgrades

The Ministry of Public Works (KKR) has identified more than 1,000 localities across the country as high-risk areas, or “black spots”, requiring immediate infrastructure and road safety improvements.

According to Harian Metro, Minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the majority of these areas are located along federal roads and are characterised by sharp bends, insufficient lighting, and damaged road surfaces. He confirmed that the government is prioritising remedial works to address these hazards.

As part of ongoing measures to improve safety in accident-prone zones, 300 solar-powered street lights have recently been installed along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB).

The minister explained that the installation process is being carried out in phases, beginning with locations that have a high incidence of accidents, particularly at night.

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Porsche Launches Next-Generation 911 Cup for 2026 Racing Season

Porsche has unveiled the new 911 Cup, the latest evolution of its one-make racing car, which will compete in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the various Carrera Cup championships, and other Porsche-sanctioned series from the start of the 2026 season.

Based on the 992.2 generation of the 911, the model introduces a range of refinements aimed at increasing performance, reducing running costs, and simplifying handling for both drivers and teams. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine now delivers 520PS, an increase of 10PS over its predecessor, without affecting the 100-hour service interval before an overhaul is required.

The new naming convention sees the car officially designated as the 911 Cup, as Porsche moves to streamline its motorsport nomenclature. Future models will only carry the ‘GT’ suffix when intended for open-brand racing or specific segments, as with the new 911 GT3 R launched alongside it.

As before, production takes place at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant alongside road-going 911 GT models, a strategy that has already seen 1,130 units of the current 911 GT3 Cup produced since 2020, contributing to a total of 5,381 Porsche 911 one-make racing cars built to date.

The car features a more aggressive exterior, with a front end that mirrors the 992.2-generation 911 GT3. The three-piece front spoiler lip allows damaged sections to be replaced individually, reducing spare parts costs, while the removal of daytime running lights helps prevent radiator damage in collisions. Integrated louvre vents in the front wings improve airflow and downforce, complemented by an optimised underbody and turning vanes behind the front arches for better high-speed stability and cornering precision.

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Datuk Remy Ishak Joins GAC Malaysia as Brand Ambassador

GAC Malaysia has appointed award-winning actor and prominent Malaysian personality Datuk Remy Ishak as its newest brand ambassador, marking another milestone in the company’s growing presence in the country. The announcement was made at the GAC & AION Showcase held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where Remy was introduced alongside fellow ambassador Jack Lim.

The appointment coincides with a period of rapid expansion for GAC Malaysia, driven by the upcoming launch of the second locally assembled GAC EMKOO C-SUV and the fully imported GAC M8 PHEV MPV.

Remy, who rose to fame through his acclaimed performance in the hit television drama Nurkasih, has become a household name in Malaysia thanks to his versatility on screen and his extensive public engagements. Known for his grounded personality, professionalism and strong rapport with local audiences, he has represented numerous brands over the years. GAC Malaysia views these qualities as an ideal match for its brand identity, which blends refinement with everyday practicality.

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Bentley Unveils First Bespoke Batur Convertible from Mulliner

Bentley’s in-house bespoke and special projects division, Mulliner, has completed the first example of the Batur Convertible. This one-off creation combines the marque’s most powerful W12 engine with an intricate, highly personalised design. Finished in a striking Opalite exterior with Beluga and Mandarin accents, this debut model reflects the client’s detailed vision and Mulliner’s craftsmanship, resulting in a car that is as unique as it is technically accomplished.

The Batur Convertible’s exterior design accentuates the performance of its 740bhp, 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine. The shimmering silver tone of the Opalite bodywork is bisected by a gloss black racing stripe, flanked by Mandarin pinstripes, which flows from the front grille over the bonnet, through the cockpit ‘airbridge’, and along the rear deck to meet the Bentley wings badge.

This stripe is seamlessly painted into the bodywork, with the design echoed in bespoke embroidery on the rear Tonneau. The distinctive matrix grille is finished in gloss Beluga with Mandarin highlights, complemented by five-spoke alloy wheels in matching tones.

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Lexus Malaysia Launches State-of-the-Art 3S Centre in Subang Jaya

Lexus Malaysia has officially opened the doors to its latest 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) facility in Subang Jaya, establishing a significant new presence in the Klang Valley. Located in SS16, the new Lexus Subang Jaya outlet is purpose-built to serve a diverse and growing community, ranging from established neighbourhoods and working professionals to young families and students.

Designed to embody the Lexus philosophy of meticulous craftsmanship and customer-centric luxury, the facility offers a seamless and integrated ownership experience. The new centre consolidates sales, servicing, and parts support under one roof, allowing Lexus to cater to every stage of a customer’s journey—from the initial showroom visit to long-term vehicle maintenance.

The showroom has been carefully laid out to deliver a refined and personalised atmosphere. Every element within the space has been considered to reflect Lexus’s emphasis on hospitality and sophistication, aiming to create a welcoming environment that elevates the car-buying experience.

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Bugatti Unveils ‘Brouillard’ as First Bespoke Masterpiece Under Exclusive Programme Solitaire

Bugatti has taken another bold step in its century-long pursuit of artistic automotive excellence with the unveiling of Programme Solitaire, a new initiative devoted entirely to the creation of truly bespoke, one-of-one vehicles. Introduced during Monterey Car Week, the programme’s inaugural commission, Brouillard, is a coachbuilt coupé that not only celebrates the marque’s rich heritage but also elevates craftsmanship and personalisation to an unprecedented level.

Rooted in the spirit of early coachbuilding and inspired by the profound artistry that has defined Bugatti since its earliest days, Programme Solitaire goes beyond the brand’s already highly tailored Sur Mesure offering. It draws inspiration from the early 20th-century tradition of creating unique automotive bodies through close collaboration between car manufacturers and coachbuilders. In Bugatti’s case, Jean Bugatti famously brought that expertise in-house, producing legendary designs such as the Type 57 SC Atlantic and its siblings—the Galibier, Stelvio, Ventoux, and Atalante—built on the Type 57 chassis.

The Brouillard represents the modern evolution of that legacy, built upon Bugatti’s most advanced engineering: the final and most potent version of the marque’s W16-powered platform. With a staggering output of 1,600PS from its quad-turbocharged engine, this creation embodies two decades of refined engineering excellence and signals the zenith of the W16 era.

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EON Launches Second Edition of EON & Sahabat Autofest 2025 at Glenmarie

Edaran Otomobil Nasional (EON), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad and a key player in Malaysia’s multi-brand automotive and mobility landscape, has officially launched the second edition of its flagship event — the EON & Sahabat Autofest 2025. The automotive and lifestyle showcase is now open at EON Glenmarie in Shah Alam and will run until 10 August 2025.

This year’s Autofest marks a pivotal moment in EON’s transformation, reinforcing its identity as a contemporary mobility partner. The event serves as the launchpad for the group’s refreshed and unified brand identity. Central to this rebranding is EON’s new tagline, “Passion Drives Possibilities,” which embodies its mission to deliver innovation-driven, customer-centric services. Alongside this, EON’s updated brand vision, “Leading the future mobility, powered by heart,” underscores its commitment to providing progressive and human-centred mobility solutions.

The branding overhaul consolidates EON’s entire network of outlets, services, and digital platforms under one cohesive identity. The initiative is designed to strengthen customer trust while enhancing operational cohesion across its ecosystem.

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