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Toyota Teams Up with Huawei and Xiaomi for New bZ7 EV in China

Toyota has finally stepped fully into China’s fast-growing electric car market, and it’s doing things differently this time. Instead of working alone, Toyota has partnered with local tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi to build its latest model, the GAC Toyota bZ7.

The bZ7 is a large electric sedan, measuring over five metres long with a very spacious interior — something Chinese buyers value highly. While the design looks familiar to Toyota fans, the real changes are under the skin.

Toyota is using Huawei’s electric motor, which produces 278hp and pushes the car to a top speed of 180km/h. It’s not about being the fastest, but about being reliable and practical for families.

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McLaren JC96 – Japan-Only Tribute to a 1996 Racing Triumph

McLaren has pulled the covers off the JC96, a special edition of the 750S built to honour the brand’s success in the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship almost three decades ago. Back in 1996, the team secured the Drivers’ Championship with the iconic McLaren F1 GTR, and this latest creation serves as a nod to that victory.

Just 61 units will be produced, and they will all remain exclusive to the Japanese market. Each example carries a distinctive ‘Tiger Stripe’ livery inspired by the racing F1 GTR, matched with ultra-lightweight 15-spoke forged alloys and bespoke cabin touches that echo the motorsport connection.

The exterior is dressed with unique detailing across the splitter, rear wing and door mirror caps, while the colour palette includes Memphis Red, Titanium Silver, Ice White and Graphite Grey. Those seeking something more unusual can explore McLaren’s bespoke paint programme. Finishing touches come in the form of gloss black roof and diffuser elements, striking gold brake callipers with red McLaren logos, and further subtle accents across the body.

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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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