The Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE 2026 opens, and will be ongoing till this Saturday 16th of May - This year is a spotlight on ESG and I also think this edition marks the start of China brands taking over the Commercial Vehicle sector like the Passenger Car sector

The Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (MCVE) has returned for its seventh edition, opening with its most impressive line-up of seminars, presentations, and talks to date. This year’s event has drawn a whole lot of participation from Chinese brands, making a shift in the usual parcipants which were usually the European and Japanese brands.. Many of the brands are seizing the opportunity to debut new products, while others are using the platform to spark vital industry discussions. Personally, I was surprised with the lack of those traditional big brands and this could be the start of a revolution in the commercial vehicle sector here in Malaysia. Mark my words folks (more thoughts at the end of this article)

As Malaysia’s first and largest commercial vehicle expo and probably  the biggest in Southeast Asia, MCVE continues to set the benchmark for future-focused transport solutions. The three-day exhibition was officially launched by YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport.

Kia Sales Malaysia launches Kia Maintenance Plan and a Ownership Experience event at the Glenmarie 3S Centre- Kia Tasman Pick up viewed at the centre

Today, we spent the morning with Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) at their flagship Glenmarie 3S centre in Selangor. KSM is strengthening its commitment to an even more customer-focused ownership experience through the first-ever Kia Ownership Experience event, held from 11 to 17 May 2026 exclusively at the Glenmarie centre only . Right now, the response has been great according to them as even older vehicles sold by the previous distributors and dealers are also included in this Ownership Experience initiative. This includes models as old as the Kia Sephia and older Kia Sportages too.

Kia Sales Malaysia appoints Cycle & Carriage as their authorised dealers - Leveraging the long established dealer to support Kia's growth in Malaysia

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 Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (KSM) recently appointed of Cycle & Carriage (C&C) as its latest authorised dealer partner, marking a significant milestone in Kia’s long-term growth strategy and network expansion in Malaysia. The collaboration between Kia Sales Malaysia and Cycle & Carriage unites twomajor forces within the Malaysian automotive landscape, offering Kia customers enhanced customer touchpoints, improved aftersales support, and elevated ownership experiences in line with Kia’s latest global standards.

The Toyota Yaris Cross SUV finally makes it to Malaysia - 1.5l and 1.5l hybrid variants from a competitive RM99,900 onwards

Finally, the all-new Toyota Yaris Cross B segment SUV gets launched in Malaysia. This has been loooong awaited and we finally get this new Toyota compact SUV here.  I managed to attend UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd's (UMWT) launch of the all-new 2026 Toyota Yaris Cross, which is available in both 1,5liter Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and 1.5liter Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variants. The model is offered from RM99,900.00 for the 1.5S ICE variant and RM109,900.00 for the 1.5S HEV variant.

Peugeot Motorcycles, in partnership with Aveta International launches in Malaysia - Currently with a 4 Model lineup targeting the more affluent urban segment

So, Peugeot Motocycles has made its official entry into Malaysia.,The launch of the more premium oriented motorcycle brand is in partnership with Aveta International and they have positioned Malaysia as a strategic hub for the brand’s Southeast Asian expansion. According to the parties, this introduction reflects growing demand for stylish, lifestyle-oriented urban mobility solutions especially here in Malaysia where there is a demand for premium products as the income for Malaysians have improved in the past two decades or so. 

All-New Audi Q5 Launches in Malaysia -Two 2.0 TFSI variants from RM352,990 onwards

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), the folks who are the official distributors of Audi here have announced the launch of the all-new Audi Q5 Advanced (in Red above and herein) and Audi Q5 Sportback S line (in green above and herein). This is the third-generation Audi Q5 (GU series) and made its debut in November 2024 for the 2025 model year. Malaysia gets the = Audi Q5 Sportback S line and more entry equipped Audi Q5 Advanced variants for the recommended retail price of RM352,990 for the Q5 Advanced, and RM421,990 for the Q5 Sportback S line.

MG Motor Malaysia celebrates 2 years in Malaysia - Expect more from the marque and a slightly improved CKD MGS5 EV SUV this year onwards

As part of its 2nd Anniversary: Passion To Drive event was held at Bamboo Hills in Kuala Lumpur. This was a small gathering for members of the media where , MG Motor Malaysia celebrated a strong start to 2026, mentioned key product milestones, growing customer engagement, and continued expansion plans as the brand strengthens its presence in the Malaysian market. While they have been somewhat quiet in terms of news releases over the past couple of months, this highlighted what they have been doing, mentioning future plans as well as announcing some changes to the latest, 2026 MG S5 EV in its locally assembled, CKD form.

Refreshed GAC GS3 EMZOOM launched - Minor enhancements notably a new front grille and two tone exterior option for Premium R variant

 

WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), the official distributor and assembler of GAC vehicles in Malaysia, has released a refreshed GAC GS3 EMZOOM.  “Refreshed, Ready, Revved Up,” - the update brings minor design enhancements, natably including a redesigned Flowing Diamond Star front grille and a new two-tone exterior option for the Premium R variant. The EMZOOM is now available in four colour options: Graphite Grey with Black Roof, Super Star Silver with Black Roof, Frost White with Black Roof, and Asphalt Black.

Own a Volvo Selekt Certified Used Car at exceptional value. For a limited time, 100 premium pre- owned vehicles has been released to all Volvo showrooms nationwide

Following the overwhelming response to previous Selekt sales events, Volvo Car Malaysia is again offering customers the opportunity to own a Volvo Selekt Certified Used Car at exceptional value. For a limited time, a curated collection of 100 premium pre-owned vehicles has been made available to all Volvo showrooms nationwide.

Unlike traditional pre-owned offerings, this exclusive 100-unit fleet is sourced directly from Volvo Car

Malaysia’s executive corporate fleet and dealership demo units. For customers seeking Volvo’s latest

models, this release provides a 'fast-track' route for customers to secure a well cared-for vehicle without the typical waiting period. This is basically slightly used Volvo cars, run and maintained by Volvo Car here according to their standards. Since it is pre-owned, it should also be priced lower than a brand new one but with decently low mileage on their clocks.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N are now officially open for bookings here in Malaysia. Now on display at the Penang Autoshow 2026 from 1-3 May

 Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) recently announced at the Penang Autoshow 2026 that the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6 N are now officially open for bookings here in Malaysia. Also on display at the motorshow (which is happening this weekend and ongoing at the time of writing) are the cars mentioned, so visitors to the show will be treated to a special showcase of the IONIQ 5 N, allowing enthusiasts to get up close with the 2024 World Performance Car winner at the Penang Autoshow 2026 from 1–3 May 2026. (note - all photos here are of the Ioniq 5 N)

JETOUR Malaysia set to launch the T1 compact SUV soon. Bookings open and estimated prices from RM143k onwards

JETOUR Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the 2026 JETOUR T1 SUV. This is a smaller sized SUV compared to the recently launched T2 and will he even more competitively priced in the Rm150,000 vehicle segment. If you like squared off, chunky looking SUVs, this should be something for you to look at.

Porsche Malaysia updates the Cayenne for 2026 with enhanced styling (new colour and 21inch wheels as standard) and connectivity - Also Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe and Manufaktur Packages available

Kuala Lumpur. Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), has revealed the 2026 model year locally-assembled Porsche Cayenne which now features a new exterior colour option, expanded connectivity and more standard equipment specified exclusively for the Malaysian market. The improved equipment are larger 21-inch RS Spyder wheels as standard, a new exterior colour option in Arctic Grey and Extended Porsche Connect services for enhanced user experience

Lotus Cars Malaysia Celebrates 30 Years of Legacy, Community and the Road Ahead with a memorable get together of those that brought the marque here

 Lotus Cars Malaysia Celebrates 30 Years of Legacy, Community and the Road Ahead with a gathering of owners, enthusiasts and the media.  Held under the theme “3 Decades. 1 Future.”, the milestone celebration brought together legacy icons, owners, partners, media, and members of the Lotus community to honor the people and defining moments that have shaped Lotus’ journey in Malaysia since 1996. I had to attend it of course. This was something different from the usual and a milestone for Lotus Cars.

Michelin Primacy 5 tyre range expanded in Malaysia

Michelin Malaysia recently announced that the ‘MICHELIN Primacy 5’ tyre range is now extended to equip SUVs, which are now the most popular range of cars here in Malaysia. Beyond premium driving comfort, lasting safety, and EV compatibility, the extended line also delivers peace of mind even on rough road conditions.

A Totally new generation of Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L turbocharged diesel engines arrive replacing the 1.9l turbodiesel in the latest round of D-MAX upgrades - ALso Malaysia’s first Automatic Single Cab joins the D-MAX pick up truck line-up

 

Yesterday, the new 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel-powered Isuzu D-MAX had its Malaysian launch. An-award winning pick-up truck, the Isuzu D-MAX already offers a significant number of benefits to owners. In particular, its excellent fuel efficiency (important especially in times like this when diesel prices have gone up and up), dependability, performance and its overall versatility have all been exemplary traits that owners have come to adore. Add its good looks and well-specified comfort and safety kit make the Isuzu D-MAX one of the most complete and capable pick-up trucks in the market.

TRUCKS: UD TRUCKS hands over 173 units of the UD Kroner and UD Kuzer to Alam Flora - More capacity and efficiency for public waste carrying

On 31 March 2026, UD Trucks Malaysia and sole distributor partner here, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE), have handed over a total of 173 new trucks comprising the medium-duty UD Croner and light-duty UD Kuzer models to Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (Alam Flora), a concessionaire company appointed to provide solid waste collection and public cleansing services for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and the state of Pahang. The new trucks procured were part of Alam Flora’s need to increase its solid waste collection and public cleansing capacity for more efficiency. 

GWM Celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri and 6,000 units of the HAVAL H6 HEV SUV sold in Malaysia - Hari Raya Open Houses ON 28-29 MARCH & 11-12 APRIL 2026 at GWM Showrooms nationwide

 GWM Malaysia introduces its 2026 Raya campaign themed “Raikan Perjalanan Menuju Keredaan.” The campaign pays tribute to the journeys that bring families closer together, honouring the sacrifices made along the way and celebrating the moments that define the true meaning of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

At the heart of the campaign is GWM Malaysia’s Raya brand film, “Lebaran Keredaan,” which follows the stories of two characters, Faiz and Rizal, as they navigate responsibility, personal choices and familyexpectations in the lead-up to the festive season. Set against familiar Malaysian experiences, the film reflects the importance of family, sacrifice and returning home with the HAVAL H6 HEV portrayed as a trusted companion, symbolising reassurance, comfort and peace of mind during a time when families travel to reunite and celebrate together.

All-New JETOUR T2 SUV launched- Malaysia gets only one variant for now but the RM156,888 before insurance price is very competitive

 

Last Friday, I attended the official launch of the  JETOUR T2. Brought in by JETOUR Malaysia, this is a  mid-sized, or C segment SUV that Jetour say has practicality alongside genuine all-terrain performance. The 2026 JETOUR T2 SUV features a 2.0l turbocharged engine, intelligent all-wheel drive capability, advanced connectivity and comprehensive safety in a distinctive, boxy design that will make it look different from other SUVs in the Malaysian market in the RM150,000 to RM200,000 price range.. It also adds to the JETOUR range here as well as allowing customers even more SUV option in this segment. Fortunately, JETOUR only sells one option here, locally assembled at RM156,888 before any early bird promotions. A very good price considering what they are offering in terms of specification and equipment levels.

The Ferrari Amalfi makes its Malaysian debut - 632hp clothed in a Grand Tourer body

Ital Auto Malaysia, the official distributors of Ferrari in Malaysia has previewed the Ferrari Amalfi. This is a handsome looking  2+ coupé featuring a front-mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 engine. The sports car was recently launched sometime mid-2025 and replaces the Ferrari Roma. According to Ferrari, the Amalfi captures the perfect blend of modern elegance and high performance which makes it a unique car in the Ferrari line-up and on the market., It is different because if features the V8 engine up front instead of the mid-engine V8s like the 849 Testarossa and the V6 powered 296 which are more super car rather than the more relaxed sports car, touring features of the Amalfi.

2026 Proton X90 launched - The large sized SUV looses its hybrid system and ADAS 2 systems but gains the new 4 cylinder turbocharged 1.5l petrol and a lower price tag for all variants

So, PROTON just launched the 2026 Proton X90 full sized, three row SUV which now has Proton's Geely based 4 cylinder 1.5liter turbocharged petrol engine. The large SUV has now lost its 48v mild hybrid powertrain and the 3 cylinder 1.5liter turbocharged petrol engine with the earlier mentioned new engine. It keeps things simpler, but aside from that, the whole X90 is a simpler car, as the full Advance Driver Safety Suite has been removed.