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Proton Establishes International Subsidiary to Spearhead Global Expansion

Proton Holdings Berhad has formally launched a new subsidiary, Proton International Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB), in a strategic move to reinforce its global expansion ambitions. The establishment of PICSB, which operates as a wholly owned unit of Proton, is intended to provide greater flexibility and efficiency in navigating diverse international markets.

The newly created entity will be led by Edmund Lim Meng Thong, previously the Director of Proton’s International Sales Division. Now serving as the Chief Executive Officer of PICSB, Lim is tasked with executing Proton’s aggressive export strategy, with a firm focus on scaling operations across the Global South, while strengthening the brand’s presence in existing overseas markets.

Export performance has become a cornerstone of Proton’s growth plans, and the creation of PICSB reflects this shift in focus. Proton’s long-term vision includes a tenfold increase in export volumes over the next five years. As of 2025, Proton leads vehicle export volumes from Malaysia and is reinforcing this leadership through a sharper international strategy.

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Art of Speed 2025 Ignites Serdang with International Flair and Local Passion

The 14th edition of Art of Speed (AOS 2025) thundered into the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from 26 to 27 July, captivating thousands of automotive enthusiasts and reaffirming its place as Malaysia’s definitive celebration of custom culture. This year’s event offered more than just a car show; it delivered a full-spectrum lifestyle experience, infused with international energy and homegrown talent.

Global Icons in Attendance

This year’s AOS drew renowned guests from around the globe, lending weight to its growing international stature. Among them were Shige Suganuma and Hiro “Wildman” Ishii from Japan’s legendary MOONEYES, Hot Wheels designer Brendon Vetuskey from the United States, and motorcycle builder Yuichi Yoshizawa from Custom Works Zon, Japan. Notable contributors also included Australia’s Mark Hawwa of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Indonesia’s SixtySick Paintlab collective, and prominent media partners like Pipeburn, Vibes Magazine, and 645 Magazine.

A New Gateway into Speed Culture

Visitors were greeted by a reimagined AOS gateway, an all-LED display that lit up the venue with vivid animations and set the stage for the weekend’s high-octane festivities. It quickly became a social media sensation and symbolised AOS’s bold evolution while preserving its grassroots ethos.

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Jetour Launches Local Assembly Operations in Malaysia, Signalling Strong Commitment to ASEAN Growth

Jetour Auto Malaysia has officially launched local assembly for its popular SUV models, the Jetour Dashing and VT9, at the Berjaya Assembly Sdn. Bhd. (B-Assembly) plant in Tampoi, Johor Bahru. The commencement of production at this facility marks a major milestone in the company’s regional strategy and reflects its deepening commitment to the Malaysian automotive industry.

The local assembly takes place within B-Assembly’s expansive 640,000 square foot manufacturing site, supported by a dedicated workforce of over 100 staff. This operation positions Malaysia not only as a key production base but also as a strategic distribution centre for Jetour’s ASEAN operations. The initiative is closely aligned with the Malaysian government’s vision for a more localised, technologically advanced, and job-generating automotive sector.

Jetour International’s Vice President, Wen Qiangkang, described the development as a vital step in the brand’s long-term investment in Malaysia. He explained that assembling the Dashing and VT9 domestically represents more than just a manufacturing expansion — it is also a strategic investment in local talent, innovation, and future mobility.

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JPJ Issues Over 1,100 Summonses in Nationwide Bus Seat Belt Crackdown

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has taken firm action against non-compliance with seat belt regulations, issuing a total of 1,194 summonses to both bus drivers and passengers across the country since the launch of its Special Operation on Seat Belt Usage on 1 July.

According to Bernama, JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli stated that the majority of offences were committed by passengers, who accounted for 1,108 of the total summonses. Bus drivers received 62 summonses, while another 24 cases involved vehicles that had not been equipped with seat belts as required by law.

Despite numerous reminders, many of those caught without seat belts attempted to justify their actions by claiming ignorance of the regulations or stating that they were unaware of the enforcement being formally gazetted. Aedy Fadly firmly dismissed such explanations, pointing out that investigations showed most bus companies had either announced the requirement verbally or displayed signage urging passengers to fasten their seat belts.

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Ferrari 849 Testarossa Trademark Filing Sparks Speculation of Modern Revival

Ferrari’s victory in reclaiming the legal rights to the iconic “Testarossa” name appears to be more than a symbolic gesture, as the Italian marque has swiftly moved to trademark the name “Ferrari 849 Testarossa” in Iceland. The filing, discovered less than a month after the conclusion of a protracted legal battle in Europe, suggests the legendary moniker may soon be revived on a new model—potentially as part of Ferrari’s ultra-limited Icona Series.

The trademark registration follows a recent decision by the European Union General Court, which overturned the European Intellectual Property Office’s earlier ruling that the Testarossa trademark was no longer valid due to alleged inactivity. The court sided with Ferrari, affirming that activities such as selling spare parts, licensing the name, and producing scale models constituted legitimate use, allowing Ferrari to reassert global control over one of its most storied badges.

The “849” prefix attached to the newly filed name aligns with Ferrari’s contemporary model naming convention, seen in vehicles like the 812 Superfast and 296 GTB. While the exact significance of “849” remains unclear, it has fuelled widespread speculation that Maranello could be preparing to unveil a successor to the original Testarossa—one of the most recognisable and revered Ferraris of the 1980s and 1990s.

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Mitsubishi Marks Full Exit from China’s Auto Manufacturing Amid EV Industry Overhaul

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has formally ended its decades-long manufacturing involvement in China by dissolving its joint venture with Shenyang Aerospace Mit. Engine Mfg. Ltd., marking the final step in its withdrawal from the Chinese automotive sector. The move follows the cessation of Mitsubishi’s local vehicle production in 2023 and is being seen as a strategic response to the sweeping transformation of China’s car industry, now heavily dominated by electric vehicles (EVs).

The joint venture, Shenyang Aerospace Mitsubishi, was established in August 1997 and had played a central role in Mitsubishi’s operations in China. The engine plant, which began production in 1998, manufactured powertrains for both Mitsubishi’s own models and a wide range of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers. However, on 2 July 2025, the entity was officially rebranded as Shenyang Guoqing Power Technology Co., Ltd., following the exit of Mitsubishi Motors and Mitsubishi Corporation as shareholders.

In announcing its exit, Mitsubishi Motors cited the accelerated transformation of China’s automotive landscape, particularly its rapid adoption of electrified vehicles, as the key reason for its strategic pullout. The company signalled that this decision was part of a broader reassessment of its regional business focus.

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