Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM), now principal led, is poised to bring a refreshed brand experience to Malaysia - Some thoughts at the end of this article

Today, Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KSM), announced that the company is geared to bring a refreshed brand experience to Malaysians.. The principal led set up wants to address the brand skepticism head on, by trying to answer a question on most people’s minds, ‘Why Kia?’

Leapmotor B10 launched in Malaysia - Two variants from RM108,900 onwards but cheaper with early bird offers

Earlier this morning, Stellantis Malaysia officially unveiled the all-new electric Leapmotor B10 SUV. This a battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV which is a C segment SUV which Leapmotor says is poised to set a new benchmark for accessible innovation and sustainable mobility for Malaysians. Malaysia will have it in two variants - the B10 Life at RM107,800 (361KM WLTP range) and the B10 Design at RM118,800 (434km WLTP range), both prices before any insurance.

New Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC with AMG-Line kit launched - Priced at RM329,888 before insurance

The launch of the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC expands Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s GLC portfolio with an internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, giving customers even greater flexibility to select a model that suits their driving preferences. This new variant for the Malaysian market is produced locally in Pekan, Pahang. It is priced at RM329,888 on the road before any insurance. It was launched today with a new GLE variant - the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4MATIC.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC with EQ Hybrid Technology is launched in Malaysia - Priced from RM 498,888 *On the road without Insurance

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the new for 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC with EQ Hybrid Technology with a 114km WLTP all electric only range. This is the first-ever GLE plug-in hybrid introduced in Malaysia and is priced at RM498,888 on the road in Peninsular Malaysia without insurance. It is also locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang. This was launched earlier today with the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4MATIC.

The 11th HINO Total Support (TS) Contest happened last Saturday, the 6th of December 2025.

Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. (Hino Malaysia) proudly hosted their 11th HINO Total Support (TS) Contest last Saturday, the 6th of December 2025. This has been an annual competition that promotes excellence, teamwork, and customer-focused service among Hino’s nationwide dealer network and we are proud to say that we have attended quite a few of it over the years.

This year’s contest brings together finalists from 11 authorized dealers throughout Malaysia. This time around, the finalists were selected after completing the preliminary round earlier this year. These finalists competed in the finals showcasing their skills and teamwork and slightly differs from last year's event, where it was a whole day event without preliminary rounds being held. A little bit different this time around. But as always, the event aims to strengthen dealer competency and uphold Hino’s two core values, which are ‘Providing Best-fit Products’ and ‘Total Support’ to our customers.

BYD and DENZA Bring Light the Change Festival to Desa ParkCity with a Month-Long Immersive Sustainability Experience - Ongoing till 4th January 2026 at Desa Park City

BYD and DENZA, the luxury intelligent electric vehicle brand under BYD take the stage at the ParkCity Year-End Light Festival in The Waterfront @ Desa ParkCity with the Light the Change Festival, a showcase that goes beyond visual expression to spark meaningful conversation on sustainability and the future of mobility. The brands at the festival, reinforce their commitment to environmental responsibility while fostering connection and progress. Our participation recognises that protecting the planet requires collective effort from communities, consumers, and industry leaders. It will be ongoing till 4th January 2026 where you can pledge a plant and also test drive a BYD or a Denza.

One Degree. One Future, a global initiative to cool the Earth by one degree Celsius, shows how BYD and DENZA electric mobility solutions, energy innovations and sustainability efforts drive real change for a healthier environment. Since entering the new energy vehicle sector, BYD’s electric solutions have collectively helped reduce more than 9.3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions globally.

Perodua EV launched with a unique separate battery subscription

So the Perodua QV-E has launched and it will cost RM80,000 before insurance and a battery subscription service. It is very good looking compared to the competition at its Rm80k price but once you head over to the nearest showroom bear in mind that it comes with a separate battery monthly installment to think about. New. Unique. Surprising. 

Details in how much it costs will be shared later but this us essentially Perodua's take on the battery EV. It has over 439km estimated range, looks good and packed with features like all cars coming into 2026 needs to be. 

The unique feature for me is that this is fully a Perodua with an outside partner that isn't part of the Toyota ecosystem. The car is fully a Perodua venture so kudos to them for the initiative. If everything is successful, there is a probability that it would be adopted by the group for regional sales like how the Perodua Myvi was adopted for Indonesia as an example. 

So there are people who will question why it costs so much versus their competitor Proton. Well, this, is a whole new car designed and built by Perodua. The eMAS 5 is a Geely rebadge and essentially a China car, where they are somehow able to keep costs down. Or some sort if magical way with numbers. 

Much like the Perodua Nautica. The first RM80k vehicle by them was basically an experiment in gauging the market reception. This QV-E is just that. A first time EV effort and a first time sales test for EV adoption by the brand. Knowing Perodua, test or not, the car will be of a certain high quality that we have been used to see in their vehicles so expect it to be good from that point of view.

Press release 

Perodua launches its first Battery Electric Vehicle (EV) named QV-E priced at RM80,000 (retail price, without insurance & battery not included), as part of the national car company’s agenda to develop a sustainable EV ecosystem.

The QV-E, which stands for “Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle” took RM800 million to develop and is produced at Perodua’s newest manufacturing facility – the “Smart Mobility Plant”.

“For now, we are able to produce 500 units a month, but we would be able to offer

3,000 units a month by the third quarter of 2026,” Perodua President and Chief

Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

The QV-E uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (52.5kW) and has a range capacity

of up to 445KM (NEDC) depending on driving style, temperature and road conditions.

This model hosts the latest in safety features including a Child Presence Detection (CPD) system.

This system will alert the driver if there is a child or even pets in the car as it can

detect and track movements as well as vital signs (such as breathing) in the

second-row seat and within the footwell area of the car. The system can also detect

movement even under fabric coverings.

(An illustration of how this system works is included with this media release).

“All the features within the QV-E were created with the latest functionality, advanced safety and comfort in mind based on a detailed study conducted by our Research and Development (R&D) department.

“Ultimately, this model is the outcome of Malaysians coming together to create

something uniquely ours, from design to engineering, the QV-E offers a path all of us can benefit from,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

In the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which was unveiled by the Prime Minister

Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 1 September 2023, Perodua was appointed to

champion and lead the local automotive manufacturers in developing the EV

ecosystem.

Perodua is aggressively working with local vendors to localise the components to

over 50% by early 2026 and to 70% by 2030. So far, a total of 52 Malaysian

companies supply auto components for QV-E and the compact car company is

looking to increase the number to 70 vendors within 5 years (by 2030).

Led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and supported by

various ministries and government agencies, Perodua was able to produce an EV vehicle in 28 months.

“The support given to us by the government has been instrumental in revolutionising the Malaysian EV ecosystem and at the same time placing great attention to quality, reliability and the latest in digital technology,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

The main target buyers consist of middle-income earners and above, additional car

buyer or replacement car buyer for daily use or weekend trips.

Perodua also introduces the battery leasing concept known as ‘Battery as a Service’

whereby the car’s body is sold separately from the battery.

“This concept is our solution towards reducing owner’s anxiety when owning a

battery electric vehicle. By offering this service we will be able to offer a lifetime

guarantee on the battery for our customers’ peace of mind,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

The QV-E is in two colours, “Ice Blue” and Caviar Grey” and is only available at

selected Perodua outlets (listing available together with this media release).

A full list of the vehicle’s specifications and leasing battery explanation are available

together with this media release (down below).

 

Kia Malaysia to be a principal led brand in Malaysia come 1st January 2026

Kia Corporation (Kia) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (Bermaz), have announced on the 28th of November, they have mutually concluded their strategic partnership after  four years. Bermaz, through its subsidiary, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, was previously the sole distributor of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles and spare parts for the brand in Malaysia. Now, with the signing of the agreement by Kia and Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the return of operations to Kia marks a new beginning in this next chapter of growth for the Korean brand in Malaysia. 

Kia will be a direct principal-led brand in Malaysia effective 1 January 2026. This strategic move places Kia in the driver’s seat to fully lead the brand’s presence, marketing, sales, customer experience and training across Malaysia. The transition also lends a multiplier effect beyond Malaysian borders as it sets the tone for Kia’s future growth in the ASEAN region. In short, Kia, managed by Kia, here in Malaysia.

“Kia is excited to reinvigorate our brand presence in Malaysia. We believe our innovation- and customer-centric strategy will enhance how fans experience the brand as we continue to support the growth of Malaysia’s economy and automotive industry. We are here to stay and, aligned to our ‘Movement That Inspires’ brand vision, we are dedicated to building a future that inspires new experiences and sustainable mobility,” said Kia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Ki Seok Ahn.

Among the milestones the automotive industry and fans of the brand can anticipate from the new principal-led move include enhancements to the Kia dealer network, investments in aftersales service, and new model launches.

Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd will be led by Hyung Ho Kim as its President and CEO effective January 2026, and Emily Lek, as Managing Director -  right and left respectively in the main photo above. 

Transitioning from Bermaz to Kia Malaysia 

Throughout the transition period, Kia customers are assured of continued peace of mind in terms of after-sales care at all authorised Kia Service Centres across the network. Existing bookings for vehicles made before 30 November will continue to be fulfilled. Meanwhile, new bookings will temporarily be paused from 1st to 31st December 2025 to make way for the transition to principal-led operations. Customers can look forward to making bookings for new vehicles beginning January 2026.

“We thank Bermaz Group for their dedication to the Kia brand over the past four years and the seamless handover during this transition period. The return of Kia operations to a principal-led model is timely as the market remains hungry for new experiences and value from automotive brands. We are grateful to our loyal fans for staying with us through the years and look forward to curating an inspiring ownership experience that proves why a Kia is designed to meet the unique lifestyle needs of both existing and new fans alike,” said Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim.

To re-engage the market and fans, Kia will embark on a new brand campaign, as the leading Korean marque looks to inspire confidence by answering a simple question, ‘Why a Kia? (‘Kenapa Pilih Kia?’)

For sales and servicing inquiries or immediate 24-hour roadside assistance, contact Kia Malaysia's Customer Support at 1300 88 0133 or email customersupport@kia-my.com.

All new 2026 Proton Saga launched. Super specs at super affordable prices

The new 2026 Proton Saga sedan has been launched and it's loaded with equipment at very affordable prices too. It is still a great starter car and prices start from RM37,990 inclusive of launch rebate worth RM1,000. 

Proton has also stated that deliveries to early booking customers to begin immediately after its launch. 

iCAUR V23 SUV launched with prices from RM119,800 onwards

The iCAUR V23 has been launched. Prices seem reasonable and starts from RM119,800 for the 2WD and RM132,800 for the feature packed all wheel drive (iWD) variant. 

Video: 2026 iCAUR (iCAR) V23 iWD (AWD) off road test drive

 

I am actually away on holiday folks. However, I have got this video test drive of the upcoming iCAUR V23 iWD or awd variant here for you to watch. 

All our Proton X50 videos to date - Pre and Facelifted ones

 I just thought it would be convenient to put all the Proton X50 SUV videos since I believe I only did two of the Facelifted one and four of the pre-facelift model.  Let's start with the latest one below - Trip to Melaka

Next is the first preview test drive of the Proton X50 Facelift at the Proton test track....

UMW Toyota Brings Mobility for All – and Movement TO YOU – to the Pickleball Court ..i.e, Toyota has a pickleball competition

Suzuki Fronx SUV launched in Malaysia

Naza Eastern Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Suzuki cars here in Malaysia, has launched the all-new Suzuki Fronx Hybrid. This B segment crossover SUV was first launched in 2023 and is based on the Suzuki Baleno platform and was developed from the idea to create an SUV that is widely accepted by most markets.Here in Malaysia, only one variant is offered, the mild hybrid 1.5liter petrol engine with a price from RM147,888 before insurance.

VIDEO: 2025/2026 Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV skid test and handling test drive at the Sepang Handling Circuit

 Good day peeps. We have a new video out on our driving experience testing out the new 2025/26 Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV. These hybrid SUV models were launched in October of this year and are the latest variants of the popular Tiggo mid sized SUVs here. These are plug in hybrids so you can drive it for about 80km or so on full electric mode and it also has an estimated combined range of around 1,200km. So if you don't like refueling, this is the cars for you.

The all-new Leapmotor B10 EV SUV now open for booking from RM110k to RM120k with pre-launch offers

Leapmotor Malaysia has announced that the all-new electric Leapmotor B10 battery electric SUV is now open for booking. The B10  is estimated to be priced between RM110,000 and RM120,000 when it officially launches in December 2025. If you book early, early birds can secure their booking with an order fee of just RM80 and enjoy some offers. 

The first 200 customers will receive an exclusive ‘LeapX100’ package, which offers either a free wallbox charger or complimentary service, and topped up with a very attractive cash rebate, offering a total value of up to RM8,000.

Roadshows: Cycle & Carriage Brings Leapmotor C10 on the Move Across Klang Valley and Penang

This November, Cycle & Carriage is popping up at various locations across Klang Valley and over in Penang giving the opportunity for fans to discover the all-electric Leapmotor C10 with exciting offers and test drive opportunities.

PRO-NET Showcases its EV Technologies and the Proton e.MAS EVs at GATE 2025 which is open to the public at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 12-14 November 2025

 

Today, PROTON and PRO-NET is at the Global Automotive and Technology Expo (GATE) 2025. The event is held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, from the 12 th to the 14 th of November 2025 and it open to the public , The three- day premier regional event aims to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of electric mobility, autonomous systems, and sustainable transportation.

JETOUR Malaysia announced prices for the upcoming T2 SUV - RM178,888 onwards - Also news on year end promos from JETOUR Malaysia

 So recently, JETOUR Malaysia has recently unveiled the estimated price for the upcoming Jetour T2 all terrain premium SUV which will be estimated at RM178,888 onwards.The Jetour T2 first made its Malaysian debut earlier this year and recently showcased its right-hand drive (RHD) version. According to Jetour Malaysia, it makes Malaysia among the first markets globally to experience the model. It has a chunky, squared off , utilitarian styling, powerful performance and intelligent features which to me brings more of the traditional looking SUV rather than the rounded lines of many new SUVs on sale today.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and NZ Wheels debut Stars@Mercedes-Benz Bangsar - An upgrade in the brand's retail luxury experience

Earlier today, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and NZ Wheels together revealed the world’s largest Stars@Mercedes-Benz retail centre. The combination of Stars@Mercedes-Benz with the latest retail brand presence also makes it the first of its kind globally, bringing some change to the usual retail experience for the brand. The Stars@Mercedes-Benz Bangsar showroom by NZ Wheels showcases the most exclusive models from Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and the iconic G-Class, featuring the brand’s high end luxury models under one dedicated Mercedes-Benz showroom.