AFA PRIME Berhad Implements Traffic and Safety Measures at KLK (Karak Highway) and LPT1 (East Coast Expressway phase 1) Expressways for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025

This is important for those travelling back to the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025. From 27 March to 6 April, daily traffic on KLK (The Karak Highway) is expected to rise by 70% (110,000 to187,000), LPT1 )The East Coast Expressway Phase 1) by 83% (41,000 to 75,000).  So the operators of the highways, AFA PRIME Bhd will be taking some extra measures to ensure that they are better prepared to cope with the increased traffic during this period as well as suggesting times of travel for those using the highways

JAECOO Malaysia previews the JAECOO J8 SUV to the public prior to upcoming launch - 27-31 March at One Utama PJ, 9-13 April at Queensbay Mall Penang & 8-15 May at the Malaysia Autoshow

JAECOO Malaysia is officially previewing the JAECOO J8, the fourth model set to join the brand’s portfolio after the J7, J7 PHEV and the C9 by Jaecoo. The JAECOO J8 was first previewed at the Malaysia Auto Show in 2024.Now the D-segment SUV can be seen in full at the JAECOO J8 Preview Roadshow from 27 March to 31 March at the 1Utama Shopping Centre (GF Luxe).After that, the J8 Preview Roadshow will make its way to Queensbay Mall in Penang from 9 April to 13 April, and thereafter the Malaysian Autoshow from 8 May to 15 May 2025. Expect the official launch of this SUV to be soon after that folks. 

Proton Cars releases new 2025 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Film and Launches Recruitment Drive to Fill Vacancies at Dealerships - 732 Jobs of Various Levels that Needs Filling

Yesterday, PROTON released the latest of its Hari Raya short film series at a buka puasa event held at the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya. The 2025 edition was produced in collaboration with Elite Definition Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor for Little Joe Air Freshener in Malaysia, which was the same as last year.

ESPORTS - The Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia (PESCM) 2025 returns for a second year - Interested youths can participate in the premier virtual racing challenge

 

The Porsche Esports Sprint Challenge Malaysia (PESCM) 2025 returns for a second year, and Porsche Malaysia encourages Malaysian youths to participate in the premier virtual racing challenge. If you're into electronic games in the form of automotive racing, you should try, but you have to be between 10 and 25 years of age, 50+ kids like me cannot apply. Quite unfortunate for me.

VIDEO TEST DRIVE: 4TH Generation Facelifted 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max

This is our test of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Max Facelift (Yes, we are still getting the 4th generation variant here in Malaysia). One of the two petrol variants (this is the higher variant) out of three variants offered in Malaysia. The other is the 2.2 turbodiesel. 

Leapmotor Malaysia offers financing with Public Bank for the Leapmotor C10 - Better financing for the EV and also a free Wallbox to go with the car

 Leapmotor Malaysia has announced an exclusive financing campaign in partnership with Public Bank Berhad, which is a collaborative effort to make electric mobility more accessible and attainable for all Malaysians. This partnership brings an ultra-low interest rate of just 0.38% for a 90% loan over 60 months, ensuring that owning the award-winning Leapmotor C10 is now within reach.

From 13 March to 30 April 2025, customers who take advantage of this financing offer will also receive a free Wallbox Charger with installation worth over RM4,000 for convenient home charging. If you want a longer loan duration, you can still enjoy competitive rates, with 0.78% for 72 months and 0.98% for 84 months.  For example, a 90% loan over 84 months translates to a monthly instalment of approximately RM1,820.

#RAYASTYLOWITHS70 contest - 2025 Hari Raya event by PROTON cars where you can win prizes totaling RM42,000

For this year's hari raya aidilfitri celebrations, PROTON is inviting Malaysians to celebrate in style with the #RAYASTYLOWITHS70 contest. This is a campaign where creativity meets celebration and all you Malaysians out there are invited to celebrate Hari Raya with the most popular C-Segment Sedan in Malaysia, the Proton S70.

Be it a storyteller, a car enthusiast, or a Raya fashionista, this is the chance to shine, go viral, and win cash prizes totalling up to RM42,000. This Raya contest is all about celebrating transformation, aspiration, and the stylish essence of the PROTON S70. The PROTON S70 is more than just a car—it’s a statement. Its aerodynamic curves, futuristic lighting, and premium interiors make it the perfect muse for the contest’s Raya creativity. Think ketupat-inspired backdrops, glamorous Raya attire against its glossy finish, or cinematic night drives under twinkling pelita lights. Malaysians are encouraged to create a short video content with a maximum of 60-seconds that highlights the car’s sleek design while embracing the vibrancy of the Raya season.

JAC T9 4x4 Pickup truck in both Diesel and Battery electric forms launched.

Earlier this evening, Evolvelectric Motors Sdn Bhd (Evolvelectric Motors) officially launched the JAC T9 double-cab lineup for the Malaysian market. The new pickup truck from the Chinese manufacturer will be sold with either an efficient diesel-powered Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) variant priced at RZm119,888 and a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) costing a little bit higher. Well, a tad bit higher at RM199,888 before insurance.

New Denza Showroom near KLCC by Harmony Auto

Right after the launch of the new premium MPV, Denza D9, was the official opening of the Denza dealership in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (KL). Globally renowned auto retailer, Harmony Auto, has officially launched its first Denza showroom in Kuala Lumpur located in Atlan Tower, Jalan Ampang, which is very close to KLCC making it a very strategic location to showcase the new brand here in Malaysia..

Denza, a sub-brand by BYD launches their first model here in Malaysia - the DENZA D9 premium MPV

DENZA, a premium sub brand of BYD, officially entered the Malaysian automotive market earlier today with the launch of its flagship model, the DENZA D9. With the tagline, "Redefining Sophistication," Denza claims that it redefines luxury in modern mobility by combining elegant design, innovative technology, and sustainable performance. Expanding to a new premium segment for BYD, they aim to deliver an exceptional driving experience with Denza, demonstrating the company's commitment to continuous innovation and greener mobility to meet the needs of a diverse market in Malaysia. This is actually quite an important move, as this sits as a competitor to the basically monopoly that the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire MPVs here have when it comes to a premium MPV.

 

Scania hands over buses to Ekspress Perdana equipped with ADAS

This event happened in late January 2025. I was a little preoccupied with many other things prior to the recent Chinese New Year celebrations that I actually forgot to publish this. The photos have been sitting in the draft folder of this blog for quite a while. The event is momentous, as this marks the first Scania bus sold in Malaysia with some sort of Advanced Driver Safety features in it. Ekspres Perdana, a brand under Tiara Pesona Sdn Bhd, expands its fleet with 60 units of the first Scania New Bus Generation K410CB6X2NI and K450CB6X2NI Euro 5 double-deck express coaches equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for safety. 

Chery Malaysia is supporting the Asia International Security Summit & Expo (AISSE) 2025 by being the Official VIP Vehicle Partner.

Chery Malaysia is  supporting the Asia International Security Summit & Expo (AISSE) 2025 as its Official VIP Vehicle Partner. A fleet of 60 SUVs, comprising of Chery’s OMODA 5, TIGGO 7 PRO and TIGGO 8 PRO will be utilised to ferry distinguished guests and delegates from 15 countries to the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), ensuring a seamless and premium travel experience throughout the event which is at the time of publishing ongoing- or from  20 – 22 January, 2025. So, you will be seeing quite a number of Chery SUVs in and around the Klang Valley area over the next few days.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Malaysia Aviation Group work to enhance luxury vehicle services for Malaysia Airlines' Private Terminal Transfer which includes the use of the S580 e PHEV and EQS 500 4Matic EV cars

Today was the official launch of a strategic collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Malaysia Aviation Group ( the people who manage Malaysia Airlines - MAS) where the parties have entered into an arrangement to enhance luxury services, particularly the Malaysia Airlines Private Terminal Transfer Service at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has agrred to provide a fleet of its flagship models, which includes the S 580 e Plug-in Hybrid and all-electric EQS 500 4MATIC for Malaysia Airlines' Private Terminal Transfer Service.

BMW Malaysia unveils the All-New Locally Assembled petrol powered BMW 530i M Sport and the fully electric New BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport.

Earlier today, BMW Malaysia unveiled the All-New BMW 530i M Sport. This is another locally assembled variant of the New BMW 5 Series with a petrol powered engine and it has been unveiled with the New BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport, which is what BMW calls an electrified Gran Coupé.

 The 530i M Sport is estimated to cost RM400,000 (price not finalised at time of unveiling) while the i4 eDrive35 M Sport will cost RM294,800 without insurance or RM315,800 with the BMW Service inclusive package.

Previously, the i4, or 4 series was the 3 series coupe or gran coupe but these days, BMW has decided to put all the 2 door and 4 door with coupe styling (usually with frameless glass doors) as the 4. So this is more coupe than sedan.

BMW Motorrad Presents the All-New BMW R 12 cruiser for the Malaysian market

 BMW Group Malaysia has launched the All-New BMW R 12 cruiser here in Kuala Lumpur. The R 12, is  a statement of engineering excellence paying tribute to the BMW;s commitment to legacy with its retro styling while embracing BMW's innovative technology and performance. They call it the ultimate blend of heritage and future. It is estimated to be sold at RM123,000 onwards.

Audi Malaysia Announces New Prices for 2025, With Extended Assurance Package

More peace of mind if you want to own an Audi here in Malaysia folks! PHS Automotive Malaysia, the official distributor of Audi here has announced attractive e-tron and ICE (internal combustion engine) Models Now Ready To Own at New for 2025 Prices. The Audi Assurance Package (AAP) has been extended to 5 years Maintenance and 5 years Warranty for Greater Drive Experience and there are Eight models On Special Offer including A3 Sedan, Starting From RM279,990.

The revised pricing structure comes with an enhanced Audi Assurance Package (AAP), which now offers 5 years maintenance services (previously 3 years) and 5 years warranty (capped at 150,000km), plus 5 years roadside assistance.  While this actually adds to the purchase price - eg A7 Sportback S line 3.0 TFSI quattro costs RM715,990, it will cost RM740,390 with AAP. So, you are paying a bit more for that extra peace of mind.

MINI Malaysia Introduces the All-New Locally Assembled MINI Countryman S ALL4. - A New, locally assembled petrol-powered version for those that want something traditionally powered

Recently MINI Malaysia introduced the All-New MINI Countryman S ALL4, expanding on the New MINI Family in Malaysia with a locally assembled petrol-powered variant that ensures there is a MINI for every lifestyle and preference. This is for those that want the largest MINI in a traditional petrol powered form and it will cost you from an estimated RM259,000.

Isuzu Malaysia to launch a more affordable D-Max - The Low Ride 4x2 MT pickup truck

There is a new  Isuzu D-Max variant that will be launched here in Malaysia. The 2025 Isuzu D-Max Low-Ride 4x2 MT pick-up truck which Isuzu Malaysia says is dependable yet versatile workhorse and one that is aimed at urban and sub-urban businesses that require easy loading, excellent space and low running costs to boost their business efficiency yet being affordable. With an on-the-road without insurance price from RM92,199.20 (Peninsular Malaysia), RM94,279.60 (Sabah) and RM 94,170.30 (Sarawak), the Isuzu D-Max Low-Ride will be one of the most affordable pick-up trucks on the road 

Chery Malaysia Launches Festive ‘Great Year-End Lucky Draw’ Campaign from 1 – 31 December 2024

 

Chery Malaysia has launched the ‘Great Year-End Lucky Draw’, offering newly registered Chery car owners an opportunity to try their luck at winning prizes worth more than RM150,000.

The 'Great Year-End Lucky Draw' which runs from 1 - 31 December 2024 is part of Chery Malaysia's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional value and experiences to its customers. By participating in this event, new Chery car owners stand a chance to win a variety of prizes, making their year-end celebrations even more memorable. 

Tan Chong Motor starts exports of Malaysian assembled Nissan to Thailand

On 4 December 2024,Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH) marked a significant milestone with its first export of Malaysian assembled Nissan vehicles to Thailand. The first batch of the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, which were assembled at TCMH’s Serendah plant in Selangor, is expected to commence shipment in December 2024. This is the reason why I am actually quite keen to write about this bit of news as this highlights efforts in the Malaysian automotive industry to be more outward looking.