Local News Archives

Piston.my

Local News

Denza D9 to be Launched in Malaysia Soon – Carnival, Alphard, Vellfire and Staria Rival

The Denza D9, a premium electric MPV from the Shenzhen-based Denza brand (a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz), is set to make its debut in Malaysia soon, marking a significant step in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Designed to cater to the growing demand for luxury family vehicles, the D9 combines cutting-edge EV technology, spacious interiors, and sophisticated design, making it a strong contender in the premium MPV segment.

BYD Auto Industry Co., Ltd. has taken a significant step forward in expanding its footprint in Malaysia by officially signing an Importation & Distribution Agreement for Denza. The ceremony, held at Sunway Resort Hotel back in 2024, saw Sime Darby Auto Imports Sdn. Bhd. appointed as the official importer, while BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. was named the official distributor for Denza in Malaysia.

The Denza D9 is powered by BYD’s advanced Blade Battery technology, offering impressive range and safety. With two powertrain options—a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a fully electric (EV) variant—the D9 caters to a wide range of consumers. The EV model boasts a range of up to 600km on a single charge, while the PHEV variant offers the flexibility of electric driving with the convenience of a combustion engine for longer trips.

(more…)

PRO-NET Expands Proton e.MAS Dealerships to East Malaysia

PRO-NET, the new energy vehicle subsidiary of Proton, has taken a significant step in its nationwide dealership expansion with the official launch of Proton e.MAS dealerships in Sabah and Sarawak. This move aims to introduce advanced electric mobility solutions to customers in East Malaysia.

The first of these new dealerships was inaugurated in Kota Kinabalu on February 8 by the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship of Sabah, YB Datuk Phoong Jin Tze. Harapan Maju Sabah Sdn. Bhd. now operates the Proton e.MAS showroom in the state capital. In Sarawak, Ybhg. Dato Wee Hong Seng, Mayor of Kuching South, launched the e.MAS dealership by Melinau EV Sdn. Bhd. on February 11. Further expansions will see Ghee Hua Co. Sdn. Bhd. opening its showroom in Sarawak on February 13, followed by Fook Loi Eurocar Sdn. Bhd. in Sabah on February 28.

(more…)

JPJ Warns Against Rising Use of ‘Dummy Buckles’ to Bypass Seat Belt Alarms

The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) has raised concerns over an increasing trend of vehicle owners using “dummy buckles” to silence seat belt alarms instead of wearing seat belts properly.

Negeri Sembilan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf revealed that the highest number of notices issued during the special Chinese New Year operation were for seat belt violations, with 195 offences recorded. Alarmingly, more than 30% of these cases involved drivers using dummy buckles—accessories that resemble real seat belt buckles—to disable seat belt reminders.

(more…)

JPJ Issues Over 107,000 Notices During Chinese New Year Special Operation

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) recorded a total of 107,014 traffic offences during the Chinese New Year Special Operation 2025, which ran from January 20 to February 4. The operation involved the inspection of 429,423 vehicles, resulting in 724 seizures.

Expired road tax and the absence of valid vehicle insurance emerged as the most common violations, with 29,994 cases reported. This was followed by 20,414 instances of drivers operating vehicles without a valid licence and 15,610 technical infractions, including issues related to tyres and brakes.

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli emphasised the importance of vehicle owners ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys. He noted that these offences pose risks not only to the drivers themselves but also to other road users.

(more…)

Porsche Malaysia Launches Environmental Protection Program for School Children

Porsche Asia Pacific, in collaboration with Porsche AG, Porsche Malaysia (represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance), and Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd, has introduced an environmental protection initiative for school children at a local public elementary school. The program, known as “Sahabat Lestari,” aims to instil responsible environmental behaviour and integrate sustainability practices into daily school life.

The initiative is supported by the Malaysian non-governmental organisation Free Tree Society, with the goal of fostering empowerment through education. Porsche Asia Pacific emphasized that the program encourages students to become environmental advocates within their families and communities.

As part of the initiative, students participate in workshops where they are introduced to environmental topics in an age-appropriate manner. A key component of the program is the establishment of a school-based mini jungle, which will be maintained by the students and faculty. Additionally, a 30-day recycling challenge encourages students to collect and recycle paper and plastic from their daily school activities. Those who complete the program will receive a certificate recognizing them as “Eco-Ambassadors.”

(more…)

UMW Toyota Kicks Off 2025 with Strong Sales and GR Model Launches

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) maintained its strong market presence in January 2025, recording 5,383 unit sales. With a continued focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Toyota is set to sustain its growth throughout the year.

Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional vehicles, stating, “Our strong start to 2025 is a reflection of our dedication to quality, reliability, and innovation. With exciting new models and continuous advancements, we aim to shape the future of mobility in Malaysia.”

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) brand continues to gain traction, with the highly anticipated 2025 GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and Corolla GR Sport making their debut at the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Season 7 closing ceremony. These performance models blend cutting-edge motorsport technology with everyday practicality, further reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to driving excitement.

(more…)

Volvo Car Malaysia Achieves Record-Breaking Electrification Milestone in 2024

Volvo Car Malaysia has concluded the 2024 calendar year with a record-breaking sales mix for its fully electric (BEV) segment, which accounted for 30% of total retail sales—a significant 18% increase from 2023.

The combined sales of Volvo Car Malaysia’s BEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models made up 83% of total retail sales, compared to 71% in the previous year. This milestone aligns with Volvo’s global sustainability ambition to sell between 90% to 100% electrified vehicles by 2030, encompassing models with plug-in high-voltage battery drivetrains.

A Leader in Electrification

Since 2020, Volvo Car Malaysia has been at the forefront of electrification, offering only fully electric or hybrid electric variants across all new models. Customers in Malaysia currently have the option of choosing between plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrains for internal combustion engine models.

(more…)

Honda CR-V Secures Top Spot as Malaysia’s No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024

Honda Malaysia has achieved a significant milestone with the sale of over 11,300 units of its flagship model, the 6th Generation CR-V, securing its position as the No.1 Mid-Size SUV in 2024 with a commanding 36% market share in the segment.

Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, expressed his delight at the CR-V’s outstanding market performance. “Since its launch in December 2023, the CR-V has received strong market acceptance, further solidifying its dominant position. This growing demand is reflected in its remarkable 40% year-on-year growth within its segment. Notably, the CR-V ranked as the third best-selling model in Honda Malaysia’s lineup for 2024.”

Impressive Sales Contribution from Hybrid and Petrol Variants

The introduction of the 2.0L e:HEV RS hybrid variant has significantly boosted demand, contributing to 20% of overall CR-V sales. Within the Mid-Size SUV hybrid segment, the e:HEV RS commands an 87% market share, reflecting strong consumer confidence in Honda’s advanced hybrid technology.

(more…)

Proton Begins Construction of Malaysia’s First Dedicated EV Production Plant

Proton has officially commenced construction of its first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) production plant at its high-tech Tanjung Malim facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s transition toward local EV manufacturing. The facility, which represents an investment of RM82 million, is set to be completed by the end of 2025.

The first phase of Proton’s EV assembly plant will have an initial production capacity of 20,000 units per year. Once completed, the plant will manufacture multiple models based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, starting with the Proton e.MAS 7, the first EV model from a Malaysian automotive brand.

(more…)

Jaecoo Begins Nationwide Deliveries of C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe

Jaecoo Malaysia has commenced the nationwide delivery of up to 500 units of the C9 Premium Off-road SUV Coupe to dealerships across the country, following strong market demand.

Powered by a 2.0 TGDI inline four-cylinder petrol engine, the C9 delivers 257hp and 400Nm of torque. The 2WD variant offers three driving modes, tailored for city and light off-road usage, while the AWD variant expands versatility with seven driving modes, including settings for urban commutes, sporty drives, and challenging terrains.