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ASEAN Moves Towards Unified EV Policy to Boost Regional Sustainability

ASEAN member states are working towards the introduction of a standardised electric vehicle (EV) policy to accelerate the region’s transition to clean energy and enhance sustainability efforts. The initiative focuses on addressing key challenges such as battery standardisation and the development of a cross-border EV charging infrastructure.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz stated that discussions on these measures have already begun among senior officials and national leaders. The policy aims to mitigate range anxiety for EV users while fostering a resilient and interconnected regional supply chain in the automotive sector. The timeline and framework for the initiative are expected to be finalised and officially announced at the upcoming ASEAN Summit in May.

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Mitsubishi Unveils Xforce HEV in Thailand as Part of ASEAN Electrification Strategy

Mitsubishi Motors has officially launched the Xforce Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) in Thailand, marking its first-ever hybrid model in the ASEAN region. The move aligns with the automaker’s broader strategy to expand its electrified vehicle lineup and strengthen its market presence in Southeast Asia.

The Xforce HEV, based on the petrol-powered Xforce that debuted in Indonesia in 2023, has been designed with a focus on fuel efficiency and enhanced performance. Mitsubishi Motors stated that the hybrid system integrates a newly developed electric motor with a compact yet powerful battery, delivering a seamless and efficient driving experience. The hybrid technology is expected to offer significant fuel savings while maintaining the durability and reliability that Mitsubishi vehicles are known for.

The company emphasised that the Xforce HEV was developed with the region’s diverse driving conditions in mind. Engineers have fine-tuned the vehicle’s chassis and powertrain to provide optimal performance across various terrains, from city streets to challenging rural roads. The inclusion of Mitsubishi’s proprietary Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system ensures superior handling and stability, particularly in wet and slippery conditions.

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Made-in-China Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has officially declared the made-in-China Volvo EX30 Cross Country variant, though Volvo has yet to confirm its launch plan for the domestic Chinese market. Meanwhile, the overseas version of the EX30 Cross Country is set for release this summer, with pricing expected to align with the standard EX30, starting at approximately 200,000 yuan (RM130,000).

Visually, the domestic variant remains largely identical to its international counterpart. The front features a black panel that contrasts with the body colour, accompanied by Volvo’s signature T-shaped headlight design and a trapezoidal lower grille. A silver trim element enhances the front bumper. The side profile maintains a floating roof effect, created by a blacked-out roof contrasting against the main body colour, while conventional door handles have been retained.

At the rear, the vehicle mirrors the front with a black panel and distinctive C-shaped taillights, ensuring strong visual recognition. The “Cross Country” badge is positioned on the lower left of the tailgate, while an “Asia Pacific” logo appears on the lower right, indicating its regional market designation. A panoramic sunroof is standard across all variants.

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Audi Eyes Sports Car Revival Following TT and R8 Departures

Audi is considering a return to the sports car segment following the discontinuation of the TT in 2023 and the R8 in 2024, marking the first time in decades that the German automaker has been without a two-door model in its lineup. The company is now exploring the possibility of a new sports car inspired by the original TT, signalling a potential resurgence in the category.

During a recent Volkswagen Group financial presentation, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed that sports cars remain an essential part of the brand’s identity. He emphasised that integrating a new sports car into the portfolio was a priority, but timing would be crucial. While acknowledging the challenges posed by Audi’s restructuring efforts, including the planned reduction of 7,500 jobs by the end of the decade, Döllner maintained that sports cars were part of his broader vision for the company’s future.

Audi’s new design chief, Massimo Frascella, is expected to play a key role in shaping the revival. A long-time admirer of the original TT, Frascella was so captivated by its design that he once took a day off work to admire the car at a dealership. Döllner noted that Frascella had carried a deep appreciation for Audi throughout his career, and now was the time to channel that passion into the brand’s next evolution.

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Tesla Investor Calls for Elon Musk to Step Down Amid Leadership Crisis

One of Tesla’s earliest investors has urged Elon Musk to step down as the company’s chief executive unless he relinquishes his new government role.

Ross Gerber, a prominent Tesla shareholder, told Sky News Business Live that Musk’s growing involvement in politics had made him too “divisive” and distracted from the electric carmaker’s operations. He pointed to Musk’s recent appointment as head of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role that has sparked public protests over planned deep cuts to federal government staff.

Gerber expressed concerns about Tesla’s future under Musk’s leadership, stating that the business had been neglected for too long. He argued that Musk must either return full-time to Tesla or find a new CEO to run the company. “I think Tesla needs a new CEO, and I decided today I was going to start saying it,” he said. “The business has been neglected for too long. There are too many important things Tesla is doing, so either Elon should come back to Tesla or he should focus on the government and find a suitable CEO.”

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Malaysian Automotive Sales Surge 31% in February

The Malaysian automotive industry recorded a sharp rebound in February 2025, with total industry volume (TIV) rising 31% to 63,906 units from 48,732 units in January, according to the latest report from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

In a statement, MAA attributed the strong recovery to market stability following a sluggish start to the year. “The increase reflects a positive recovery in the automotive industry after a period of slower sales at the beginning of the year,” the association said.

Despite the month-on-month growth, February’s TIV was down 2% year-on-year compared to the 65,017 units recorded in the same month last year. Passenger vehicles accounted for 58,606 units, while commercial vehicle sales reached 2,939 units.

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