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UMW Toyota Motor Strengthens Its Lead with Solid September Sales and Growing Hybrid Momentum

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has closed September 2025 on a strong note, reporting total sales of 8,172 units for the month, which pushes its year-to-date tally to 70,418 units. The solid performance reaffirms Toyota’s position as Malaysia’s leading non-national car brand, driven by its reputation for reliability, innovation, and accessible electrified mobility.

The company’s consistent growth continues to align with its “Mobility for All” philosophy, a vision that focuses on providing practical, high-quality vehicles to suit the needs of all Malaysians. Toyota’s wide model range, coupled with dependable after-sales service and its commitment to continuous improvement, has helped the brand remain a trusted choice among local drivers.

Toyota’s hybrid range has become increasingly popular among Malaysians who are looking for practical electrification solutions without the need for charging infrastructure. These self-charging hybrids not only deliver fuel savings and lower emissions but also maintain the familiar driving experience of a petrol vehicle. With more than twenty years of hybrid expertise, Toyota continues to lead the segment in Malaysia with models such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which remains a strong performer in its class.

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Malaysia’s First Proton Sales City Centre Opens in Bukit Jalil

Jaya Johan Sdn Bhd, an award-winning authorised Proton dealership under the Atiara Johan Group, has made history by becoming the first in Malaysia to qualify for and open a Proton Sales City Centre — a major step forward in the brand’s retail experience strategy.

Unlike a conventional showroom, the new Proton Sales City Centre is designed to be an immersive brand hub that goes beyond car displays. Visitors can explore Proton’s entire model line-up, take test drives on-site, and experience an interactive journey through the brand’s heritage, innovation, and vision for the future. It represents a new phase for Proton’s retail presence, where sales and brand engagement come together under one roof.

Group CEO of Atiara Johan, Eric Moo, explained that the new space was created to reflect Proton’s evolution as a modern and global carmaker. He described the centre as a contemporary environment where visitors can relax, enjoy a coffee, and learn about Proton’s latest advancements through digital and interactive showcases. Customers will also have access to exclusive deals, trade-in programmes, and tailored financing options, making the experience more convenient and personalised.

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BYD Extends Its Lead Over Tesla in Global EV Sales Through Q3 2025

Chinese automaker BYD has widened its lead over Tesla in global pure electric vehicle (EV) sales, firmly establishing itself as the world’s top EV manufacturer through the third quarter of 2025.

According to data compiled by automotive analyst “Tongkuai Shuchang,” BYD recorded cumulative pure electric vehicle sales of 1.61 million units between January and September 2025. In comparison, Tesla delivered 1.22 million units over the same period, giving BYD a commanding lead of around 388,000 vehicles.

In the third quarter alone, BYD delivered 582,500 pure electric vehicles worldwide. Although this marked a slight 4% decline compared to the previous quarter, the numbers still reflected an impressive year-on-year growth of 31.4%. Tesla, meanwhile, reported deliveries of 497,100 units in Q3, achieving a 29.4% increase quarter-on-quarter and 7.4% growth year-on-year. Despite surpassing market expectations, Tesla remains behind BYD for the fourth consecutive quarter.

BYD first overtook Tesla in Q4 2024, a milestone that signalled a shift in the global EV landscape. Since then, the Chinese brand has not only retained its top spot but has continued to expand its margin, driven by its broad product lineup, aggressive pricing, and strong domestic and overseas demand.

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Motorists Can Claim Refunds for Unsubsidised RON95 Payments Caused by System Glitches

Motorists who were charged unsubsidised RON95 prices due to technical issues at petrol stations can now claim refunds, said Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh.

She explained that while the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme has been operating smoothly nationwide since its rollout last Tuesday, a few stations experienced brief system disruptions. These issues, she said, were resolved promptly.

“There were some complaints about system outages, but they were handled quickly. However, if motorists were charged unsubsidised RON95 prices as a result, they can file a claim,” Fuziah said, according to The Star.

Refund claims can be made for petrol purchases between 30 September and 31 October through the official portal at https://mysubsidi.kpdn.gov.my. Applicants must attach proof of purchase, such as receipts for RON95 transactions.

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Rolls-Royce Showcases Its Most Complex Woodwork for Phantom’s 100th Anniversary

To mark the 100th anniversary of the legendary Phantom, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled what it proudly calls the most intricate woodwork ever created in its history. This exclusive Private Collection of just 25 cars showcases an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, debuting three techniques never before used by the marque — 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. Each car represents a century of design evolution and artistry, merging tradition with innovation in a way only Rolls-Royce can.

The centenary of the Phantom is more than just a milestone; it is a celebration of how the car has defined luxury motoring across generations. For this occasion, the marque’s designers, engineers, and artisans pushed their creative and technical limits, blending hand-drawn sketches, digital design, and cutting-edge production methods. The result is a collection of interior artworks inspired by journeys, landscapes, and the moments that have shaped the Phantom’s enduring legacy.

The standout feature of this collection is the interior door panels, which Rolls-Royce describes as the most complex ever crafted in its history. Each door took an entire year to complete, with every surface narrating a part of the Phantom’s story. The design combines geographical maps, floral motifs, and visual nods to historic Phantom models, all expressed through Blackwood veneer. This material was selected for its rich depth and distinctive grain, offering a dynamic visual texture that shifts subtly under different lighting conditions.

The process required the use of some of the largest veneer sheets ever produced for a Rolls-Royce. These were cut and pieced together like an elaborate mosaic, with each section positioned to ensure the wood grain interacts with light in a specific way. The result is an ever-changing surface that reveals new details from different angles. Even the speaker grilles were integrated directly into the veneer through precision milling, creating an uninterrupted, seamless aesthetic that elevates the cabin’s sense of calm and refinement.

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Proton e.MAS 5: Bookings Open Now! Estimated Price RM60k–RM80k

Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a wholly owned subsidiary of Proton, has officially opened bookings for the all-new Proton e.MAS 5, Malaysia’s most affordable electric vehicle. The announcement followed a high-profile livestream held on 4 October 2025, which successfully introduced the compact EV to thousands of Malaysian viewers.

The two-and-a-half-hour livestream, hosted by Boss James and Norreen Iman, featured live demonstrations, expert discussions, and an in-depth look at the new model. Proton representatives including PRO-NET Chief Executive Officer Zhang Qiang and Chief Brand Officer Pn. Salawati Mohd Yusoff joined the session to share insights about the e.MAS 5 and the brand’s growing role in Malaysia’s electric mobility landscape.

Over 572,725 Malaysians tuned in across Proton e.MAS’ official social media platforms and those of participating influencers, tech reviewers, and automotive experts. The event generated strong engagement and immediate interest from potential buyers, many of whom were eager to learn more about the EV’s pricing, features, and booking process.

The biggest reveal of the night was the e.MAS 5’s estimated price tag — RM60,000 – RM80,000 — positioning it as the most affordable fully electric vehicle in Malaysia. The compact SUV aims to make EV ownership more accessible to a wider range of Malaysians, offering a combination of smart design, practicality, and sustainability.

For those ready to make the switch, bookings can now be made for just RM99. First 5,000 customers will also receive a limited-edition Proton e.MAS Touch ‘n Go NFC card preloaded with RM1o0, along with an additional RM500 rebate on the booking fee.