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Proton has concluded the first half of 2025 with a notable increase in its market share, despite challenging market conditions affecting the wider automotive sector. The national carmaker registered 11,069 units in June, a marginal improvement compared to the same period last year, bringing its total year-to-date (YTD) sales to 72,156 units. This positions Proton as the second-best performing automotive brand in terms of volume for the first half of the year.

The company’s market share for June stood at 20.7%, reflecting a 1.1% gain over the previous month and placing it 1.2 percentage points above its YTD average of 19.5%. While the Total Industry Volume (TIV) dipped significantly in June—falling by 21% to an estimated 53,500 units from 68,007 in May—Proton’s sales resilience allowed it to improve its relative standing in the industry.

A key contributor to Proton’s performance continues to be the X50 SUV, which has firmly held its position as the best-selling B-segment SUV since its launch in October 2020. With more than 140,000 units sold domestically and abroad, the X50 remains a cornerstone of Proton’s lineup. In June alone, 1,657 units were delivered, including 353 units for export, representing nearly half of Proton’s total overseas shipments for the month. Cumulatively, 11,361 units of the X50 were sold in the first six months of 2025—an 11.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Anticipation is building for the launch of the all-new Proton X50, scheduled for July. The upcoming model features updated styling, a revamped interior, the new 1.5-litre i-GT engine, and the advanced ADAS 2.0 safety suite. Pre-launch bookings began on 5 July, accompanied by a promotional campaign and a series of activities leading up to the official reveal.

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The next-generation BMW iX3, the first production model of BMW’s groundbreaking Neue Klasse, is approaching the final stages of development. Currently undergoing intensive testing at BMW’s Miramas facility in southern France, the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle is set for its world debut at the IAA Mobility event in Munich in September 2025. Production will commence later this year at the marque’s cutting-edge facility in Debrecen, Hungary.

Mike Reichelt, Head of Neue Klasse at BMW, confirmed that the iX3 will deliver major technological upgrades aimed at redefining driving pleasure. Designed with an entirely new powertrain, advanced operating systems, and intelligent computing architecture, the iX3 is set to raise the bar for electric mobility across the BMW lineup. Innovations introduced in this model will be rolled out to all future BMW vehicles, irrespective of their propulsion systems.

At the core of this transformation lies a suite of technological advancements that include a sixth-generation (Gen6) electric powertrain, a radically new display and interaction concept dubbed BMW Panoramic iDrive, and a cluster of four high-performance computing systems referred to as the “superbrains”.

The Gen6 electric powertrain represents a significant leap in performance and efficiency. Featuring newly developed cylindrical battery cells with 20% higher energy density than the prismatic ones previously used, the high-voltage battery has been structurally integrated into the vehicle chassis. This evolution not only enhances range—up to 800km on the WLTP cycle—but also allows for ultra-fast charging. The iX3 50 xDrive can regain over 350km of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a high-capacity 400 kW charger, courtesy of its new 800V architecture.

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Porsche has introduced a striking new special edition of its iconic 911, paying tribute to the Porsche Club of America (PCA) as it marks its 70th anniversary. The latest iteration, dubbed the 911 Club Coupe, continues the tradition of exclusive, enthusiast-focused models dedicated to the world’s largest Porsche owners’ club, which was founded in 1955 by Bill Sholar.

Limited to just 70 examples, this celebratory model is based on the 911 Carrera T and will be sold across the United States and Canada. The car retains Porsche’s revered flat-six engine, tuned to deliver 388hp, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. Enhancing its sporting prowess, the 911 Club Coupe benefits from Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) Sport Suspension with a 10 mm lower ride height, along with a mechanical limited-slip differential and Porsche Torque Vectoring.

A significant highlight of the new model is its bespoke paint finish. Presented in Sholarbluemetallic—a refined metallic version of the Clubblau hue first introduced in 2015—the colour was developed through close collaboration between Style Porsche, Exclusive Manufaktur and the PCA over the course of 2023. This unique shade reinforces the model’s exclusivity and heritage.

Visually, the Club Coupe distinguishes itself with a SportDesign front fascia featuring red highlights and 20/21-inch RS Spyder wheels finished in Satin Black with Brilliant Silver accents. Subtle nods to the PCA’s signature palette continue with Brilliant Silver door logos, a matching rear 911 decal, and Guards Red grille slats inlays. Instead of the standard Vanadium Grey mirrors from the Carrera T, the Club Coupe’s are painted in body colour to elevate the design further. A special “70 Year PCA” badge mounted on the grille pays homage to the occasion.

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DRB-HICOM Auto Solutions Sdn Bhd (DHAS), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad and a key player in Malaysia’s automotive logistics sector, has expanded its operational capacity with the addition of seven MAN TGS 18.360 4×2 prime movers. These new units will serve as the foundation of DHAS’s in-house fleet of car carriers, marking a strategic shift from its prior reliance on third-party transport providers and a small group of leased Japanese prime movers.

Founded in 2006, DHAS has grown in tandem with the country’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, particularly in response to the increasing production and importation of electric vehicles (EVs). The company now supports logistics operations for over 20 automotive brands in Malaysia, positioning itself as a preferred logistics provider within the industry.

As demand rises, DHAS is scaling its operations to enhance reliability and maintain long-term business sustainability. Chief Executive Officer Fawzi Ahmad stated that the decision to adopt the Euro V-compliant MAN TGS trucks followed a comprehensive assessment across several key metrics. He explained that the model was chosen based on its strong performance in areas such as safety, vehicle specification, operational efficiency, pricing, aftersales support, and environmental considerations. He also highlighted the truck’s user-friendly integrated telematics system, which supports efficient fleet management, and added that drivers have responded positively to the vehicle’s modern design and spacious, comfortable cabin.

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Proton has officially begun accepting bookings for the All-New Proton X50 following a high-profile unveiling at Setia City Mall, held under the banner “All-New Proton X50: READY TO ROAR.” The launch marks the next chapter for Malaysia’s top-selling B-segment SUV, which has recorded over 140,000 units sold locally since its introduction in 2020.

The X50, a product of the collaboration between Proton and its global partner Geely—where it is marketed under names like Binyue and Coolray—has collectively achieved more than 1.2 million sales in 51 countries. This global success has helped shape the new model, which aims to set fresh standards in design, safety, connectivity, and driving performance.

At the core of the latest X50 is a redesigned aesthetic and improved technology. Visually bolder than its predecessor, it also features a significant upgrade to its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), now incorporating Level 2 capabilities. A new 14.6-inch infotainment display takes centre stage inside the cabin, enhanced by the world’s first Bahasa Melayu voice recognition system, tailored for Malaysian drivers and further localising the driving experience.

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The new BMW M2 CS has redefined expectations in the compact sports car segment with a record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. On 11 April 2025, BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger piloted the latest generation of the M2 CS around the legendary 20.823km circuit in just 7 minutes and 25.5 seconds. This performance shaved a full eight seconds off the previous record in the compact category and improved upon Weidinger’s own best time in the previous M2 model by 13 seconds.

This achievement not only places the M2 CS at the forefront of its class but also adds another milestone to BMW M’s storied legacy of performance excellence on one of the world’s most demanding circuits. The Nürburgring, often dubbed the ‘Green Hell’, is considered the ultimate proving ground for high-performance vehicles, with over 70 corners testing a car’s dynamics, stability, and engineering prowess. Each record attempt is closely supervised and verified by independent testing authorities, ensuring all vehicles remain in production-spec condition.

Weidinger’s new lap time surpasses the benchmark previously held by the BMW M4 CS, M4 CSL, and M3 CS—three mid-size models that had all previously dipped below the 7:30-minute barrier. Among them, the M4 CSL remains the fastest production car in BMW Group history, with an officially notarised time of 7:18.137 minutes.

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