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Toyota GR Yaris Gets New Aero Performance Package Inspired by Motorsport

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has announced that the GR Yaris will soon be offered with a new “Aero Performance Package”, set to arrive at Toyota dealerships in Japan from 1 October 2025. The package, which has been developed with direct input from motorsport, brings a suite of aero upgrades aimed at enhancing cooling, stability, and balance at high speeds.

The GR Yaris has always had its DNA rooted in rallying, and this package takes that link a step further. Engineers fine-tuned the components through extensive testing in the Super Taikyu Series and Japanese Rally Championship, with feedback from professional drivers shaping the final setup. Available exclusively on the RZ “High Performance” and RC trims, the package combines six carefully designed parts to push the car’s aerodynamics and handling even further.

Among the highlights is a ducted aluminium bonnet, modelled after the carbon-fibre version fitted to the GRMN Yaris. Developed and tested in rally competition, it improves cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay. To keep the car planted at speed, a new front lip spoiler has been added to cut front lift and sharpen overall balance — a component included after race driver feedback suggested the aero setup needed an extra layer of stability.

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JPJ to Make Seatbelts Compulsory for All Car Passengers

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is stepping up its road safety efforts with plans to enforce compulsory seatbelt use for everyone in private vehicles, including passengers in the back seat. While the exact date for enforcement has yet to be revealed, JPJ says the focus for now is on education and awareness before penalties come into play.

The latest initiative comes under the ‘Klik Sebelum Gerak’ campaign, which was launched to remind Malaysians that the simplest habit—buckling up—can be the most effective safety measure.

According to Bernama, JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli explained that the campaign is designed to build awareness before enforcement begins. The department will confirm the official start date later, but the direction is clear: wearing a seatbelt will soon be non-negotiable for all car occupants.

For those wondering about the consequences of ignoring the rule, the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt and Child Restraint System) Rules 1978, last updated in 2019, outlines fines of up to RM300 for failing to buckle up. JPJ has made it clear that this step isn’t just about compliance, but about creating a lasting culture of safety on Malaysian roads.

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All-New Proton X50 Becomes Malaysia’s Top SUV, Boosted by East Malaysia Demand

The all-new Proton X50 has officially taken the crown as Malaysia’s number one SUV. Launched on 24 July, the B-segment SUV impressed with its sharp design, modern features, and improved interior. In August alone, more than 4,000 units were sold, making it a clear leader in its class. A lot of interest has come from younger buyers, both online and in showrooms.

East Malaysia has played a big role in this success. Demand there is strong, and Proton has been preparing its after-sales support to keep up. The Regional Parts Centre in Kuching, Sarawak is now a key hub, ensuring parts reach dealers quickly — sometimes in just two days. The warehouse has expanded to 28,000 square feet, three times bigger than before, and can store stock for up to three and a half months. It also receives direct shipments from overseas, helping to keep supplies steady.

East Malaysia contributed 20.6% of Proton’s total sales in 2025, with market share growing to 19.5% from 19% last year. While the X50 is off to a strong start, the Proton Saga remains the best-seller in the region, with 13,619 units sold so far this year. The Persona and X50 follow behind.

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GWM Ora Cat Breaks Cover as Brand’s First New Model Since 2022

After a long, quiet time, Great Wall Motor’s electric sub-brand Ora is back with something new. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has revealed details of the brand’s latest SUV, the Ora Cat – the first all-new model to wear the Ora badge since 2022.

Ora, established in 2018 under Great Wall Motor, quickly made a name for itself with quirky, affordable EVs. But a string of missteps left the brand struggling. The launch of the Black Cat and White Cat proved unprofitable, while ventures like the Ole Sharing service drained resources. Things didn’t improve in 2022 when Ora introduced the Ballet Cat, styled like a modern Beetle, and the Lightning Cat (also called Ora 07), which borrowed its look from the Porsche Panamera. Both landed in small, niche markets and did little to help sales.

Since then, Ora has been unusually quiet. Between January and August 2025, sales dwindled to just 14,781 units in China, according to China EV DataTracker. The slump pushed Great Wall Motor to rethink its strategy. This summer, the company announced plans to reignite the brand with four new models. The Ora Cat is the first step in that comeback.

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XPENG AEROHT’s Flying Car Gets Green Light in UAE

XPENG AEROHT has taken a big step forward in making flying cars a reality. The Chinese company’s “Land Aircraft Carrier” has just been granted a special flight permit in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

According to Xinhua, the permit was handed over to XPENG AEROHT’s founder, Zhao Deli, marking a milestone for the firm’s ambitions outside China. The UAE’s innovation-friendly approach was seen as the perfect testing ground for this technology, giving the company the chance to showcase what its futuristic vehicle can really do.

At the same event, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with XPENG AEROHT. The agreement will see both parties working together on flight testing certification, real-world application scenarios, and exploring how flying cars could be used across different sectors. Among the areas being considered are government transport, tourism, and even emergency rescue – all of which could benefit from a vehicle that combines the practicality of a car with the agility of an aircraft.

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Nadi Willer Expands Mobility-as-a-Service to Ease Malaysia’s Congestion Woes

Kuala Lumpur’s daily battle with gridlock could soon get some relief as Nadi Willer Sdn. Bhd. pushes forward with its Japanese-inspired Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform. The company, led by CEO Ibrahim Aiman Bin Mohd Nadzmi, wants to make it easier for Malaysians to get around without having to rely on private cars.

The core of its plan lies in mobi DRT (Demand Responsive Transit), an app-based on-demand service that works alongside trains and buses to plug the gap in first- and last-mile connections. By giving people a smooth way to reach public transport, the system aims to reduce car dependency and, in turn, help ease congestion in the city.

Traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur are a long-standing problem, made worse by limited feeder options to connect with the rail network. Many commuters still depend on private cars, family pick-ups or e-hailing services, while mid-distance public transport remains underused. Safety concerns from recent bus accidents have only added to the issue. Nadi Willer believes its MaaS solution directly addresses these shortcomings by merging mass transit with flexible on-demand rides.

The service has already made an impact. As of August 2025, mobi DRT is operating across 26 areas, recording more than 400,000 passengers and over 100,000 registered users. Surveys show that 88% of riders use mobi DRT specifically to reach public transport, a major behavioural shift considering nearly half of them previously relied on family pick-ups and a quarter drove their own cars.