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Proton Achieves Record October Sales with 15,575 Units Sold

Proton ended October 2025 on a strong note, recording its highest monthly sales volume of the year. The national automaker sold a total of 15,575 units domestically and abroad, representing a 16.3% increase compared to September. This brings Proton’s year-to-date total to 129,872 units, placing the company 3% ahead of 2024’s performance at the same point.

The broader Malaysian automotive market also rebounded, with Total Industry Volume (TIV) estimated at 77,377 units in October, the highest monthly figure for 2025 and a 32.3% rise from the previous month. With two months remaining, Malaysia appears on track to exceed 800,000 annual vehicle sales for a second consecutive year, likely maintaining its position as the top automotive market in ASEAN.

The Proton Saga continued to demonstrate enduring strength even as its next-generation replacement nears launch. The model achieved 8,373 units sold in October, its best performance since July 2013, securing second place in the national sales chart. Cumulative 2025 sales have reached 59,107 units, reaffirming the Saga’s status as one of Malaysia’s most trusted nameplates.

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Toyota Tacoma H2-Overlander Concept Turns Water Into Adventure

Toyota took centre stage at this year’s SEMA Show with a concept that pushes off-road innovation into new territory — the Tacoma H2-Overlander, a hydrogen-powered pickup designed not only to drive emissions-free but to literally make and reuse water as it goes.

The concept sits under Toyota’s “Powered by Possibility” theme, a showcase of experimental builds aimed at demonstrating how future vehicles could combine clean energy with real-world versatility. At its core, the Tacoma H2-Overlander begins life as a standard Tacoma pickup, but instead of the usual petrol engine, it’s fitted with the second-generation hydrogen fuel cell system lifted from the Toyota Mirai sedan.

Three hydrogen storage tanks are integrated neatly within the frame, with a total capacity of around 6kgs. Power delivery comes from two electric motors, one mounted on each axle, drawing energy from a 24.9-kWh lithium-ion battery. Together, the system produces a hefty 547hp, driving all four wheels while generating zero emissions — unless you count the water vapour it emits instead of exhaust fumes.

What makes this Tacoma truly clever, however, is how it handles that water. Rather than letting it drip away, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) developed a patent-pending exhaust water recovery system that captures, filters and stores the distilled water created by the fuel cell’s chemical process.

The stored water can then be used for washing, cleaning or even showering during remote overlanding trips. Toyota notes that the water isn’t drinkable, but it’s a clever example of how hydrogen technology can deliver unexpected benefits beyond propulsion.

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Chery’s iCaur V27 Set for Debut as a Rugged Range-Extender SUV

Chery Automobile is gearing up to unveil its latest model under the new box-style SUV sub-brand, iCaur, with the official debut of the iCaur V27 scheduled for 21 November at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Known domestically in China as the iCar V27, the model adopts the “iCaur” name for international markets due to trademark considerations. Positioned above the smaller iCaur V23, the new V27 takes the lead as the brand’s largest and most advanced model, powered by a range-extender electric powertrain rather than a fully electric setup.

The iCaur V27 strikes a balance between modern sophistication and retro-inspired toughness. Its boxy silhouette, chunky bumpers, flared wheel arches, and rear-mounted spare tyre give it the kind of rugged, adventure-ready stance reminiscent of classic off-road icons.

Yet, the execution is thoroughly modern, with clean lines and thoughtful detailing that bring a premium, contemporary touch. Measuring 4,909 mm long, 1,976 mm wide, and 1,894 mm tall, and riding on a 2,910 mm wheelbase, the V27 falls into the mid-to-large SUV segment, suggesting ample cabin space and strong road presence.

Chery has yet to reveal the V27’s interior, but based on current information, higher-spec variants are expected to feature a lidar-based driver assistance system powered by Horizon Robotics chips, hinting at an advanced suite of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

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Hongqi HS6 PHEV Breaks Guinness World Record with 2,327 km Journey

FAW’s premium sub-brand Hongqi has made global headlines with the HS6 PHEV, which has officially entered the Guinness World Records for the longest distance travelled by a plug-in hybrid SUV on a single full charge and full tank — without refuelling. The remarkable journey began in Shangri-La on October 30, taking the SUV through Kunming, Baise, and Wuzhou, before reaching Guangzhou on November 3. By the end of the trip, the HS6 had covered a total distance of 2,327.343 km, setting a new benchmark for hybrid efficiency and endurance.

With this achievement, Hongqi has demonstrated that plug-in hybrids can deliver long-distance practicality alongside electric efficiency. The HS6 PHEV will soon be available for purchase in China, with pre-sales beginning on November 15, where it will be positioned as a five-seater premium SUV.

Visually, the HS6 carries Hongqi’s signature design language, blending traditional luxury cues with modern flair. The front fascia features a closed waterfall-style grille accented by 12 vertical chrome strips, anchored by the brand’s trademark red line emblem that runs through the centre — a symbol synonymous with Hongqi’s identity. The overall styling strikes a balance between refinement and authority, underscoring its role as a flagship SUV in the brand’s expanding electrified portfolio.

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Jaecoo J5 EV Launched in Indonesia

Jaecoo has officially introduced the all-electric J5 EV in Indonesia, signalling another major step in the brand’s regional expansion within Southeast Asia’s fast-growing EV market. The SUV is offered in two trims — the Standard, priced at 249.9 million rupiah (around RM63,000), and the Premium, at 299.9 million rupiah (around RM75,000). These launch prices are exclusive to the first 1,000 buyers, making the J5 EV one of the most accessible electric SUVs in the segment.

Both variants share a similar powertrain setup, featuring a front-mounted electric motor that produces 211 PS and 288 Nm of torque, powered by a 60.9 kWh battery pack. With this configuration, the J5 EV can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.7 seconds and offers an impressive driving range of up to 461 km based on the NEDC cycle.

Charging performance is equally noteworthy, with support for DC fast charging at up to 130 kW, enabling a 30% to 80% recharge in 28 minutes. For added practicality, Jaecoo has also included vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing the SUV to supply up to 3.3 kW of power to external devices — a handy feature for camping trips or emergencies.

Inside, the J5 EV’s cabin combines functionality and sophistication, offering a premium feel without breaking the bank. Key features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade, a powered tailgate, and ventilated front seats wrapped in synthetic leather.

The dashboard is dominated by a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, complemented by an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting, eight speakers, a 50-watt wireless charger, and built-in telematics connectivity.

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GWM Malaysia Introduces the Refreshed ORA Good Cat Ultra and GT

GWM Malaysia has officially pulled the wraps off the updated ORA Good Cat Ultra and ORA Good Cat GT, giving one of the country’s most recognisable electric hatchbacks a sharper look, refreshed colours, and added appeal for the growing number of EV enthusiasts in Malaysia.

Visually, the 2025 update brings in a striking new So Blue with Black Roof colour combination that adds a youthful edge to the Good Cat’s familiar retro-futuristic curves. It joins a palette that already includes Hazel Wood Beige with Brown Roof, Pistachio Green, Aqua Grey, and Sun Black (the latter two reserved for the GT variant). The result is a more expressive, confident-looking hatchback that continues to blur the line between modern chic and timeless design.

The new Good Cat range remains true to its “Extra Good EV” spirit — offering smart technology, smooth performance, and safety that inspires confidence behind the wheel. Both variants are powered by a 57.7 kWh SVOLT LFP battery, with the Good Cat Ultra delivering 143PS and 210 Nm of torque, offering up to 480 km of range (NEDC). The sportier Good Cat GT ups the ante with 171PS and 250 Nm, along with a slightly reduced 460 km range due to its performance-tuned setup.