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Latest Stories

• KTMB Klang Valley Double Track Phase 2 project – completion for Subang Jaya-Klang stretch in March

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 20 January 2026 6:42 pm

  

  Rehabilitation works for the Klang Valley Electrified Double Track Phase 2 (KVDT2) project, for the stretch from Subang Jaya to Klang in particular, are expected to be completed by the end of March, said transport minister Anthony Loke, reported Bernama.

  This section of the rail line is currently under construction and is slated for completion in the first quarter of this year, though the entire second phase of the rail line, which stretches to Seremban, will take a few more years to complete, Loke said.

  “Currently, trains only operate in one direction from Klang to KL Sentral during morning peak hours because data shows that 90% of passengers during these hours travel from Klang to Kuala Lumpur for work, not the other way around. Previously, train frequency exceed one hour because services had to run in both directions. Based on data collected, we found that passenger numbers in the opposite direction were very low, so we implemented a one-direction operation during peak hours,” he said.

  Under the current arrangement, the KTM Komuter service from Klang to KL Sentral currently operates at 30-minute intervals during morning peak hours, running six trips until around 9am, after which the service is suspended until 4pm to allow construction works to continue, the transport minister said.

  The service operates in the opposite direction in the evenings from KL Sentral to Klang as passenger movement in this direction is higher after office hours, he added. “The whole idea is to expedite the construction process so that the project can be completed sooner,” Loke said.

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• Geely Galaxy Cruiser headed to production – proper rugged REEV SUV, on sale in China end-2026

  In Cars, Geely, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 20 January 2026 6:36 pm

  

  The Geely Galaxy Cruiser concept was one of the stars of Auto Shanghai last year, taking over the baton from 2024’s Galaxy Starship. The good news is that the rugged plug-in hybrid SUV is headed to production, if this Autocar report is to be believed.

  Clearly inspired by the likes of the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco, the boxy Galaxy Cruiser is set to go on sale in China by the end of the year. While no timeline has been set for exports, the company’s UK marketing boss Yan Tianxiao confirmed that “we will definitely launch that car in the UK,” so it will enter global markets eventually.

  In a departure from Geely’s other value-oriented models, the production Galaxy Cruiser will shun the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA) in favour of a luxury variant of the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA-R). This will be shared with the Zeekr 9X and the range extender version of the Eletre, amusingly called (in China, anyway) as the For Me.

  

  This is because the platform has impressive off-road capability built into it, according to design studio director Flavien Dachet – meaning that the Galaxy Cruiser will have the go-anywhere chops to back up its outdoorsy look. “When they went testing in Chinese deserts, it was way beyond what they expected to do in terms of capacity,” he said.

  Utilising the 9X’s platform means the Galaxy Cruiser should use the same monstrously powerful range extender EV powertrain, with a 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder engine helping to charge the battery. There are 897 PS/935 Nm dual-motor and 1,400 PS/1,410 Nm triple-motor versions, paired with either a 55 kWh or a 70 kWh LFP battery for up to 380 km of CLTC-rated EV range on the 9X. Total range is quoted at 1,250 km.

  

  Dachet admits that the design borrows from established 4x4s, although the car is aimed more for luxury and family buyers rather than hardcore off-road enthusiasts. “There’s always the same recipes, whether you look at the Defender, the G-Wagen, the [Ford] Bronco; the codes are the same. It’s [about] how we interpret it in a way that’s recognisable.”

  The higher-end positioning of the Galaxy Cruiser means it’s unlikely to enter Malaysia as a Proton eMas – not least because the advanced REEV powertrain would make the car too expensive for local tastes. But hey, one can dream right? Would you like to see this car here? Let us know in the comments.

  GALLERY: Geely Galaxy Cruiser concept at Auto Shanghai 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Tax and duties for CBU EVs set at 30%+10%+10% or 5%+10%+10% depending on country of origin, FTA

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News / by Danny Tan / 20 January 2026 6:01 pm

  

  The exemption of import and excise duties for CBU fully-imported electric vehicles (EVs) has ended along with the year 2025, and with a new year comes a new tax structure for imported EVs.

  At today’s annual Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) 2025 review and 2026 outlook briefing, we sought clarification from the auto club on the new structure for CBU EVs, and they provided the numbers. Broadly, it’s 30% import duty + 10% excise duty + 10% sales tax (ST isn’t new and has been in place). However, the first number, import duty, is influenced by free trade agreements (FTAs) that Malaysia has with other countries or trading blocs.

  MAA president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain and his council members gave an example of China, where most of our CBU EVs are shipped from. According to the tariff reduction schedule of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), EVs entering our region will face 5% import duty, so it’s 5%+10%+10% for CBU EVs from China, a big advantage over the standard 30%+10%+10%.

  

  Not all FTAs are the same, and the one ASEAN has with China is in stark contrast with the FTA we have with South Korea. Cars are in the ‘highly sensitive’ list so import duty remains at 30% for CBU EVs from Hyundai and Kia. These ‘sensitive’ categories are erected to protect local industries from being overwhelmed by more cost competitive imports; however, it all boils down to the ‘give and take’ in negotiations. Clearly, China has scored a good one here.

  Will import duty for Chinese CBU EVs fall further from the current 5%? Unlikely. The MAA council member specialising in trade pointed out that the next level of ASEAN-China cooperation mentions many things, but not tariff reduction – it’s low enough – and lower than other trading partners – as it stands.

  So, how does this translate to retail prices? The majority of EVs currently sold in Malaysia hail from China (even our two Tesla models are from Gigafactory Shanghai), so the increase should be in the 15% ballpark, which isn’t that substantial. How so? Take a look at the discounts being offered in the market – a couple of brands have dished out rebates that are even larger in the ongoing EV price war.

  

  So far, the only brand that has revealed 2026 prices for CBU EVs is Tesla, which said that it will maintain the RRP of 2025. It’s unknown if the EV specialist is absorbing the new duties or if it’s getting preferential treatment from the government via MITI’s BEV Global Leaders programme, of which Tesla is the only OEM in it. Since day one, Tesla has sold CBU cars without the otherwise mandatory franchise APs, for instance.

  The ending of full duty exemption for CBU EVs is to encourage carmakers to set up shop in Malaysia, but it remains to be seen if 15% of duties is enough to force their hand, so to speak, especially when the current tax-free policy for CKD EVs only runs till end-2027, which is less than two years away.

  Carmakers might just choose to either increase prices or absorb the difference (very likely) and just sit it out. Perhaps that’s where MITI’s new minimum floor price of RM250k for imported EVs comes in, but that’s a story for another day.

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• 2026 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited and Road Glide Limited tourers debut with upgrades

  In Bikes, Harley-Davidson, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 20 January 2026 5:25 pm

  

  FLHXL Street Glide Limited

  Improvements and updates to the 2026 Harley-Davidson (H-D) Street Glide Limited and Road Glide Limited touring motorcycles. Design changes were made to specific components to make the big touring rigs easier to ride and manage.

  For the Street Glide Limited, a new H-D “Batwing” fairing features an updated design for improved aerodynamic efficiency and more comfort compared to the previous Ultra Limited fairing. This is aided by a new clear windshield 100 mm taller than the standard Street Glide model windscreen and shaped to provide aero comfort and protection.

  The Street Glide Limited has also gone on a diet, now weighing 10.9 kg less than the previous 2024 Ultra Limited tourer. Weight was reduced where ever possible, making the Street Glide Limited easier to lift off the side stand, and making it easier to balance at a stop.

  

  MY26 Web 360. FLHXL Street Glide Limited

  

  A new wheel design features a 10-spoke wheel – 19-inches in front and 18-inches at the rear – that splits to 20-spokes at the rim. The cast aluminum wheels feature black inner spokes and contrasting bright machine-finished spoke edges and rims.

  There is also new accessories for the Street Glide Limited with rider footboards, passenger footboards, brake pedal pad, and highway pegs, inspired by the art-deco designs of the Streamliner era of the 1930s. Colour options for the Street Glide Limited in 2026 are Dark Billiard Gray (base), Vivid Black, White Onyx Pearl, Iron Horse Metallic, Brilliant Red, while Olive Steel Metallic/Vivid Black and Purple Abyss/Vivid Black are new options, all available in either chrome or black trim.

  

  FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  Meanwhile, the Road Glide Limited comes with a twin element headlight instead of the Street Glide’s single road LED unit, covered by a redesigned H-D “Sharknose” fairing. The fairing is mounted directly to the Road Glide’s frame, reducing steering effort in tight maneuvers at low speed and comes with a windshield 100 mm taller.

  Weight has been reduced by 5.9 kg while other improvements are identical to the Street Glide Limited. Colour options for the Road Glide Limited in 2026 are also indentical to the Street Glide Limited with Dark Billiard Gray (base), Vivid Black, White Onyx Pearl, Iron Horse Metallic, Brilliant Red, while Olive Steel Metallic/Vivid Black and Purple Abyss/Vivid Black.

  

  MY26 Web 360. FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  

  Power for the Street Glide Limited and Road Glide Limited comes from a Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 V-twin, displacing 1,923 cc. Engine power is claimed to be 106 hp at 4,600 rpm, with a maximum torque of 177 Nm at 3,500 rpm.

  Variable valve timing improves average fuel efficiency by two to three percent with improved low-end performance. Cylinder head cooling further improves engine cooling during low speed riding and in hot weather.

  

  FLTRXL Road Glide Limited

  Both H-D touring motorcycles come with four ride modes – Sport, Road, Rain and a custom mode for user preference. Electronic riding aids include cornering ABS, electronically linked brakes, cornering traction control, drag torque slip control, hill hold control and tyre pressure monitoring system.

  Also upgraded is the on-board entertainment, displayed on a 12.3-inch TFT-LCD display with embedded navigation ad wireless connectivity the rider’s smartphone. An optional new four-channel 200-watt amplifier rated at 50 watts per channel powers Rockford Fosgate speakers, delivering 100 percent more power and improved sonic performance compared to the previous Boom Box system.

  GALLERY: 2026 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited

  

  

  

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  GALLERY: 2026 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited

  

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• MAA forecasts 3.8% drop in 2026 new car sales to 790k due to rising cost of living, weaker purchasing power

  In Cars, Local News, MAA Vehicle Sales Data / by Jonathan Lee / 20 January 2026 4:34 pm

  

  So, another record year for new car sales, on the back of three years of consistent increases. With a slew of new brands coming our way and the rallying strength of the ringgit, surely we should brace ourselves for yet another jump in 2026?

  Not so fast – in fact, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is forecasting a 3.8% decline in new car sales this year. The 790,000-unit (730,000 passenger cars, 60,000 commercial vehicles) estimate is a ways off the 820,752 units sold last year and would make 2026 the first time the total industry volume (TIV) dips below the 800,000 unit mark since 2023.

  

  A peek at the data behind the scenes shows that a drop was inevitable. Having shot up from a low of 508,883 units in 2021 to 721,177 units in 2022, new car sales have somewhat plateaued, to the point that 2025’s tally was a scant 0.5% up on the previous year. That’s a difference of almost exactly 4,000 vehicles, which is effectively negligible – and this was despite a record month in December, fuelled by a rush to purchase tax-free EVs before CBU import tax incentives expired on December 31.

  The association put this down to several factors, including a rising cost of living that is outpacing the ringgit’s strength, reducing disposable income and leading to weaker purchasing power. According to the ministry of finance, Malaysia’s annual GDP growth is expected to slow to 4.0 to 4.5%, down from 4.9% in 2025.

  

  Broader global economic conditions are also set to be even more challenging this year thanks to US’ “flip-flop” trade policies and the geopolitical uncertainty this creates (president Donakd Trump only recently announced tariffs on eight European countries opposing his desire to take over Greenland). This is expected to weigh down on Malaysia’s trade advantage.

  Now let’s look more closely at the automotive industry in particular. With the aforementioned CBU EV tax breaks now gone, prices of fully-imported models are expected to increase, which will likely lead to EV demand – still relatively low anyway due to the nascent state of the market and subsidised Budi95 petrol prices – slowing further.

  Thankfully, there’s no risk of wider increases for CKD vehicles as part of open market value (OMV) excise duty revisions, as MAA has just confirmed that this issue has been resolved for good. However, car prices could still end up being higher due to other factors, such as rising manufacturing, component and operation costs squeezing profit margins for carmakers and dealers – impinging on their ability to give discounts.

  

  It’s not all bad news this year, as MAA still expects a relatively strong economy to prop up car sales. Thanks to a stable labour market (the unemployment rate is currently low, at 2.9%), income stability will continue to drive vehicle purchases. In particular, there is strong demand for affordable and fuel-efficient models, especially from national carmakers Proton and Perodua.

  These two companies won’t be the only ones to prosper, as the slew of new brands and models slated to be introduced this year – along with continued promos and value-added services – is set to excite the market. The increase in new EV models being assembled locally will also boost EV ecosystem development, and this is expected to lead to more investment, technology transfer and overall growth from foreign makes, although MAA is still sceptical of their willingness to emphasise and develop Malaysia’s EV production capabilities.

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• KTMB Komuter free rides to Batu Caves, Jan 31-Feb 1

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 20 January 2026 3:44 pm

  

  Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will be offering free rides on its Klang Valley Komuter service for two days, on January 31 and February 1 in conjuction with Thaipusam this year, reported The Star.

  The volume of passengers on the Komuter service on the free-to-ride days of January 31 and February 1 is expected to reach 450,000 passengers. In addition, the Komuter service will operate around the clock from January 30 until February 2, when the service is expected to see up to 700,000 passengers, said transport minister Anthony Loke.

  “Our priority is to ensure that the movement of the public during Thaipusam is smooth, orderly and safe. This is part of the government’s effort to make Thaipusam more accessible and meaningful especially for Hindu devotees,” he said.

  A total of 609 Komuter trips are planned for this period, comprising 302 services on the Batu Caves-Pulau Sebang line, 165 on the Batu Caves-Port Klang line and 142 on the Tanjong Malim-KL Sentral line, which represent an increase of 23% compared to last year, Loke said.

  

  An additional 216 trips specifically for Batu Caves will be available compared to the regular scheduling of 98 trips daily, and the extra train services will run beyond the regular final service each night. The line from KL Sentral to Batu Caves will be improved to every 30 minutes, said the transport minister.

  Additionally, 28 train stations will operate 24 hours daily in order to assist elderly passengers, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and families with young children, he said. Loke reminded users that all transactions will be cashless with options to use the KITS Style application, Komuter Link card, Touch ’n Go, debit or credit cards, ticket kiosks and counters.

  To ease congestion at Batu Caves, members of the public are encouraged to use the LRT and MRT services before taking transfers with the KTM Komuter at nine key interchange stations, Loke said. These are KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Putra, Bank Negara, Subang Jaya, Bandar Tasik Selatan, Kajang, Kampung Batu and Sungai Buloh.

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• MAA: 30,848 new EVs sold in 2025, 109% YoY increase in Malaysia – hybrids also up 25% with 38,515 units

  In Cars, Local News / by Gerard Lye / 20 January 2026 3:34 pm

  

  Data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) revealed a total of 30,848 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in 2025. This marks another year that sales of EVs went up year-over-year (YoY), with the percentage increase from 2024’s 14,766 units being 109%.

  The same is also true of hybrid vehicles which saw 38,515 deliveries in 2025 to represent a 25% YoY increase from 2024 (30,796 units). Bundled together, the total number of electrified vehicles sold in Malaysia last year was 69,363 units – 52% more than the 45,562 units recorded in 2024.

  The government’s decision to provide tax incentives for EVs, as announced during Budget 2022, has contributed to the growth in EV sales over the years. These incentives came into effect on January 1, 2022 and their deadlines have been extended since then, although some are now concluded. For fully-imported (CBU) EVs, the tax holiday ended on December 31, 2025, while locally-assembled (CKD) EVs still enjoy some exemptions until December 31, 2027.

  

  As MAA’s table shows, sales of EVs amounted to just 278 units in 2021 prior to the incentives coming into effect. In the first year of incentives being applied in 2022, sales increased to 2,631 units (+846%) and on to 10,159 units (+286%) in 2022. The growth rate dipped in 2024 to 45%, although the number of EVs sold went up again to 14,766 units. The spike of 109% to 30,848 units in 2025 could very likely be due to customers rushing to take advantage of CBU EV incentives before they expire.

  Hybrid vehicles also saw continuous growth throughout the years, from 7,875 units in 2021 to 19,988 units (+154%) in 2022, 28,055 units (+40%) in 2023, 30,796 units (+10%) in 2024 and to 38,515 units (+25%) in 2025. The introduction of more hybrid options by mass-market brands has helped in this regard.

  While the sales gap between hybrids and EVs is a lot smaller compared to past years, things could change in 2026. Even though EV-related tax incentives have expired, we noticed that prices of CBU EVs have remained largely the same despite upward projections as much as 100%. The introduction of the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) programme, which currently pins the price of RON 95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, could also discourage EV adoption and affect demand.

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• 2025 Malaysia new car sales TIV hit record 820,752 units, Dec and Q4 also highest-ever month/quarter

  In Cars, Local News, MAA Vehicle Sales Data / by Jonathan James Tan / 20 January 2026 2:25 pm

  

  Malaysia’s appetite for cars is just… unbelievable. In a land of not even 40 million people, we bought 820,752 new cars last year (yet another record), or 0.5% more than 2024’s 816,747. This is the second year in a row we’ve broken 800k and our fourth consecutive year of post-Covid growth.

  December 2025 was a record month (90,716 new cars found homes, beating the previous record of 81,735 units in December 2024), while Q4 2025 was a record quarter (241,416 units).

  

  The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) attributes the performance to robust economic growth (GDP +4.7% in first three quarters of 2025), strong domestic demand, recovering exports, favourable financing (2.75% OPR since July), socio-political stability, a 2.9% unemployment rate (an 11-year low), strong order backlogs especially in the A-segment, the EV rise (+109%) and aggressive promos.

  Driven by SUV mania, passenger vehicles expanded 13% to 228,572 units in 2025 compared to 2024’s 201,565 units, while commercial vehicles contracted for the second year running (-11% versus -14% in 2024) as diesel subsidies became targeted in June 2024.

  

  

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  In terms of production, just 747,780 vehicles were manufactured in Malaysia in 2025 (-5% versus 2024’s 790,347 units), demonstrating the might of fully-imported (CBU) EVs, for which demand spiked ahead of the year-end expiry of incentives.

  What about the national versus non-national battle? The national team jumped 1.1% to 511,468 units (62.3% market share, up from 2024’s 61.9%) while the non-nationals were down 0.6% to 309,258 units (311,058 in 2024), mainly due to a lower commercial vehicle contribution (8% compared to 9%). MAA forecasts a slower 2026 with 790k units, but it was just as pessimistic last year when it expected 780k, and look what’s happened.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

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• No price increase for CKD cars in July 2026, OMV/402 issue resolved, delay to finalise calculations – MAA

  In Cars, Local News / by Danny Tan / 20 January 2026 2:17 pm

  

  It’s good news for the Malaysian automotive industry as the open market value (OMV) excise duty revision issue that crops up every year end, threatening price increases of up to 30% for CKD locally assembled cars, has been finally resolved. For good.

  In December 2025, we reported Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain saying that although the PU(A) 402/2019-Excise Tax Regulations (Determination of Value of Locally Produced Goods for Excise Tax Purposes), will be implemented this year, it will incorporate a new method that will have ‘very little or no impact to pricing’ of CKD cars.

  Then, just before 2025 ended, the finance ministry announced that the OMV revision, which was supposed to begin in January 2026, has been deferred once more, this time by six months. Turns out that there’s nothing to be feared about this latest deferment, and the lingering issue has indeed been solved.

  

  Mohd Shamsor, at today’s annual MAA 2025 review/2026 outlook briefing, said that the extra six months is just for relevant parties to ‘finalise calculations’ – there was no last minute twist in December. “We have been given the understanding that basically, the impact that we’re working on will be very minimal, or even zero impact,” Mohd Shamsor said today.

  “The reason why it takes about six more months is that they have to finalise (the calculations) because the different OEMs (doing CKDs) have different ways of declaring their business. So they have to fine-tune and make sure it’s a fair proposal, to make sure that it’s being managed in a level playing field. So that’s why they need the additional six months, to finalise the calculation,” he explained.

  What’s this OMV/402 issue all about again? Here’s an explainer on the bullet we’ve been dodging for years, and how we got here. The controversial ‘402’ – gazetted on the last day of 2019 – stipulated a new methodology of calculating a CKD vehicle’s OMV, which influences how much tax is to be paid and therefore, its selling price. OMV is defined as the final market value of a CKD vehicle ex-factory, before the government imposes excise duties on it.

  

  It’s primarily made up of the cost of the CKD pack, cost of manufacturing and components as well as assembly and administration charges. Note that fully-imported (CBU) vehicles use a different system – prices for these are based on Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF), on which import and excise duties are imposed.

  The PH-era regulations set that in calculating OMV, one must take into account not just the profit and general expenses incurred or accounted in the manufacture of a vehicle, but also of its sale. It was this ‘sale’ clause that got industry players up in arms, because it involved areas such as engineering, development work, art work, design work, plan and sketch, royalty payments and license fees (patent, trademark, copyright). Think of it as ‘factory costs’ plus ‘office costs’.

  The regulations were supposed to come into force in 2020, but 22 days into that pandemic year, MAA announced that the finance ministry had deferred implementation to 2021. By end-2020, it was deferred again, and MAA appealed to the government in 2022 for continued deferment, which was successful – a two-year deferment was granted, until December 31, 2024. The latest deferment is until December 31, 2025.

  

  As you can imagine, this uncertainty isn’t good for a company’s planning, forecasting and operations. Without clarity, investments will also be hampered – no one wants to invest in local production and ‘live on the edge’ every December hoping for the best. No exaggeration here – the second deferment was announced just two days before 2021 ended!

  If prices of CKD cars do go up by as much as 30%, perhaps OEMs will not bother with the hassle of local production and just bring in CBU imports – this would be a loss for the industry and country. Yes, the government would collect more taxes with the revised OMV in the short term, but if higher prices damage sales volume (all-time high in 2024, we have momentum), production and eventually job opportunities for the rakyat, it could be an example of being penny-wise but pound-foolish.

  Perhaps the subsequent administrations after Pakatan Harapan did see the logic behind the auto industry’s argument, hence the constant stays of execution, but kicking the can down the road via annual deferments surely isn’t the way to go.

  In early 2025, the finance ministry said that “MoF, together with MITI and the automotive industry, is currently reviewing the vehicle valuation method to ensure that the imposition of tax is carried out in a fair, neutral and consistent manner”. Looks like the government and the auto industry have finally found common ground. Case closed, finally.

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• 2026 BYD Seal Premium and Performance Malaysian review – new DiSus-C adaptive suspension any good?

  In BYD, Car Reviews, Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News, Video Reviews, Videos / by Jonathan James Tan / 20 January 2026 1:13 pm

  

  The BYD Seal got updated in Malaysia last August with a pair of variants on offer – the RM172k one-motor RWD Premium and the RM192k two-motor AWD Performance. These prices are around RM8k less than before, although the outgoing cars were offered with big five-figure discounts.

  You do get quite a bit extra now, however – new multi-spoke alloys (still 19-inch units with 235/45 tyres), a powered sunroof blind (finally!), a sunglasses compartment located next to the driver’s head, and you can now use your phone as the car key.

  The range-topping Performance gains red brake callipers and – here’s the big one – an adaptive DiSus-C continuous damping control system, something like the Denza D9‘s. Now blessed with this, it can hands dow its frequency selective damping (FSD) suspension to the Premium variant, which didn’t have it before.

  Ceteris paribus otherwise – the 313 PS/360 Nm Premium does 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and the 530 PS/670 Nm Performance in 3.8 seconds, 82.5 kWh LFP Blade battery for both variants yielding 570 and 520 km WLTP respectively, plus 150 kW DC (30-80% in 32 minutes) and 7 kW AC (empty to full in 15.2 hours) charging. Hafriz Shah drives both Seal variants back to back here – find out what he thinks.

  2025 BYD Seal Premium and Performance in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  2025 BYD Seal Premium in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  2025 BYD Seal Performance in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Proton eMas 7 CKD – local-assembly adds spec upgrades, price now under RM100k, RM6k cheaper

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Mick Chan / 20 January 2026 12:51 pm

  

  Proton has announced the introduction of the locally assembled (CKD) Proton eMas 7 EV, which goes on sale in two variants. This will emerge from Proton’s dedicated EV plant in Tanjong Malim, though production has yet to commence; roll-out and deliveries will be announced soon.

  Priced at RM103,800 for the Prime, and RM119,800 for the Premium, the locally assembled duo is offered from the outset with a limited-time RM4,000 rebate which brings the prices to RM99,800 for the Prime, and RM115,800 for the Premium in Peninsular Malaysia.

  Pricing in East Malaysia is RM102,800 for the Prime, and RM118,800 for the Premium. Compared to pricing at its launch in December 2024, this marks a price drop of RM6k for the Prime and RM4k for the Premium against their CBU versions.

  The welcome benefit package is comprised of:

  • Complimentary 7 kW home charger worth RM1,500
  • Complimentary V2L (vehicle-to-load) adapter worth RM500
  • Five-year unlimited internet data plan worth RM1,800
  • Six-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty
  • Eight-year, 160,000 km high-voltage battery and component warranty
  • Exclusive Proton owner trade-in rebate worth RM5,000

  

  

  2026 Proton eMas 7 EV CKD price list; Peninsular Malaysia (left), East Malaysia (right)

  The arrival of the locally assembled Proton eMas 7 EV also brings equipment updates for the 2026 model year. This brings the addition of a powered tailgate on the Prime variant, while the Premium variant gets upgrades to its ADAS suite.

  This now gains evasive manoeuvre assist (upon triggering AEB, the vehicle will steer to avoid a collision), front cross traffic alert, and active lane change assist (activate the turn signal, and upon checking that the intended lane is clear of traffic, the vehicle will carry out the lane change automatically).

  This still foregoes the larger battery introduced for the 2026 Geely Galaxy E5 in China, which gets a larger battery capacity at 68.39 kWh, for 13.6% more capacity versus the 60.22 kWh unit, to yield around 15.1% more range.

  

  

  2026 Proton eMas 7 EV CKD specifications – click to enlarge

  These ADAS upgrades include new hardware, which means that the new ADAS features will not be applicable via OTA on older examples of the eMas 7. The new hardware additions are three millimetre-wave radar units, located in front at the centre and corners of the vehicle.

  Level 2 ADAS in both variants of the eMas 7 CKD is comprised of intelligent cruise control, ACC, AEB, forward collision warning, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning and prevention, emergency lane keep assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear cross traffic braking, lane change safety warning, door open warning, traffic sign recognition, and leading vehicle departure alert.

  Also on for the eMas 7 are rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera with 3D display, and auto door locking when the vehicle is driven; the Premium adds front parking sensors.

  

  

  Key specification details for the locally assembled eMas 7 EV remain as before, with the Prime getting a 49.52 kWh Aegis short-blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that brings a WLTP-rated 345 km of range, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 15.4-inch 2.5K-resolution touchscreen display, Level 2 ADAS, and the aforementioned powered tailgate. The tonneau cover introduced last August continues to be present.

  Stepping up to the Premium brings the larger capacity, 60.22 kWh Aegis short-blade LFP battery for a WLTP-rated 410 km of range, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 16-speaker Flyme audio system, head-up display, ventilated front seats, and the aforementioned additional ADAS features (evasive manoeuvre assist, front cross traffic alert, and active lane change assist).

  Powertrain for both variants continues to be a front-axle motor producing 160 kW (218 PS) and 320 Nm, enabling the 0-100 km/h run in a claimed 6.9 seconds. the Prime can receive up to 80 kW DC charging while the Premium can take up to 100 kW DC, enabling both to attain a 30-80% recharge in 20 minutes; 11 kW AC charging yields a 10-100% charge in 4.9 hours for the Prime, and 6.1 hours for the Premium.

  

  Exterior colours for the 2026 eMas 7 EV are Lithium White, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Platinum Silver, Quartz Rose, and Obsidian Black, while the interior gets upholstery in Indigo Blue. On a more limited basis, the Alabaster White interior upholstery colour can be selected, though this is limited to Premium variant units in Turquoise Green and Quartz Rose, according to Proton.

  The 2026 Proton eMas 7 EV is now locally assembled, and goes on sale in two variants; the Prime at RM99,800, and the Premium at RM115,800; prices are on-the-road without insurance, after the RM4,000 rebate.

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• Porsche sold 279,449 cars in 2025 – down 10% from 2024; Macan top seller; North America largest market

  In Cars, International News, Porsche / by Gerard Lye / 20 January 2026 12:42 pm

  

  Sales of the Porsche cars dipped by 10% to 279,449 units in 2025, which is less than the 310,718 deliveries recorded in 2024. “After several record years, our deliveries in 2025 were below the previous year’s level,” said Matthias Becker, member of the executive board for sales and marketing at Porsche AG.

  “This development is in line with our expectations and is due to supply gaps for the 718 and Macan combustion-engined models, the continuing weaker demand for exclusive products in China and our value-oriented supply management,” he added.

  Looking across regions, North America was once again Porsche’s biggest market with 86,229 units, which is only slightly less than the 86,541 units in 2024. Similarly, overseas and emerging markets largely maintained their combined previous-year levels with 54,974 units, or 1% down from 55,533 units in 2024.

  Meanwhile, Europe (excluding Germany) saw 66,340 units sold, which is 13% less than the 75,899 units in 2024. In Germany specifically, 29,968 deliveries were recorded – a decrease of 16% from 35,858 units in 2024. Porsche says the declines in both regions include the aforementioned supply gaps for the for the combustion-engined 718 and Macan models due to EU cybersecurity regulations.

  

  China saw the largest sales decrease in terms of percentage, with the 41,938 units recorded in 2025 being 26% less than the 56,887 units in 2024. Reasons for include challenging market conditions, particularly in the luxury segment, as well as intense competition among fully electric models in the Chinese market.

  On a model-to-model basis, the Macan is the best-selling Porsche model in 2025 with 84,328 units (+2%). From that figure, fully electric versions made up over half at 45,367 vehicles, with the remainder being combustion-engined versions that saw 38,961 units, many of which were delivered in markets outside the European Union.

  Sales of the Panamera declined by 6% to 27,701 units by the end of December last year, while the 911 saw 51,583 units (+1%) to mark another delivery record. Understandably, sales of the 718 duo that include the Boxster and Cayman – production of both ended in October last year – dropped 21% to 18,612 units in total.

  Other models that registered a decline include the Taycan with 16,339 units (-22%) due to the slowdown in the adoption of electromobility, while the Cayenne dipped 21% to 80,886 units because of catch-up effects the previous year.

  

  Overall, the delivery mix saw 34.4% of Porsche cars delivered in 2025 to be electrified (+7.4%), with 22.2% being fully electric and 12.1% being plug-in hybrids. In Europe specifically, more electrified cars were delivered than pure combustion-engined models, with the electrification share being 57.9%.

  “In 2026, we have a clear focus; we want to manage demand and supply according to our ‘value over volume’ strategy. At the same time, we are planning our volumes for 2026 realistically, considering the production phase-out of the combustion-engined 718 and Macan models,” said Becker.

  “In parallel, Porsche is consistently investing in its three-pronged powertrain strategy and will continue to inspire customers with unique sports cars in 2026. An important component is the expansion of the brand’s customization offering – via both the Exclusive Manufaktur and Sonderwunsch program. In doing so, the company is responding to customers’ ever-increasing desire for individualization,” he ended.

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• 2026 Kia Niro facelift – electrified SUV more conventional inside and out, BEV not returning?

  In Cars, International News, Kia / by Jonathan Lee / 20 January 2026 11:30 am

  

  After a mixed reception from the buying public, Kia has restyled the second-generation Niro, some four years after its debut in January 2022. The facelifted electrified SUV has dispensed with some of its polarising design cues while keeping much of its unique style.

  The front end sees the inclusion of taller headlights that now smoothly transitions into the slim upper “tiger nose” grille, incorporating the Korean carmaker’s latest “Star Map” daytime running lights. Meanwhile, the contrasting-colour side rocker panels now extend right into the hexagonal lower grille and are better integrated into the front wheel arch trims.

  Kia also appears to have ditched the Niro’s most striking feature – an optional contrast colour for the arrow-shaped C-pillars. The slimline vertical taillights have been trimmed, no longer reaching up into the roof and coming with black trim to enlarge them visually. They are also now joined by a black strip, while further down, the number plate recess has been pushed down into the bumper for a cleaner tailgate design.

  

  Also redesigned is the rear bumper valance and diffuser-like silver skid plate that provide a more unified look, and the whole revamp is finished off with new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels in Kia’s latest “cubic” design.

  Inside, a similarly wholesale refresh has occurred, with the Niro ditching its “rising” dashboard for a horizontal design. A new curved widescreen display panel continues to house twin 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, sitting behind Kia’s latest two-spoke steering wheel.

  Unlike on the brand’s latest models, this car does not get physical air-con switchgear (apart from the twin knobs), instead retaining the outgoing model’s touch panel that switches between climate control and audio functions. The asymmetrical centre console, topped by a rotary gear selector, is also unchanged.

  Technical specifications have yet to be revealed, but we can expect the same powertrains as before. These include a 105 PS/144 Nm 1.6 litre Smartstream G Hybrid naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, paired with a 43 PS electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a total system output of 141 PS. Only the hybrid version of the facelift has been revealed so far.

  

  The Niro is currently also available as a plug-in hybrid with a more powerful 84 PS motor for a combined output of 185 PS, plus an 11.1 kWh battery for a pure electric range of 60 km. A larger battery would improve the latter considerably and help make the car a more attractive proposition in the face of longer-range Chinese PHEVs.

  One model we’re less sure of making a comeback is the EV, previously sold in Malaysia. Kia has completely revamped its EV lineup, with the brand-new EV2 usurping the Niro as the marque’s entry-level offering. As such, we’re finding it hard to see the value in continuing with a car with worse range and slower charging.

  We’ll find out soon enough, with Kia set to announce specifications for the Korean market in March. With Kia now represented in Malaysia through a principal-led model, could the Niro return as a hybrid or PHEV model? And if it does, would you get one over value-priced Chinese models? Let us know in the comments.

  GALLERY: 2023 Kia Niro EV in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• JPJ to continue strict enforcement, public awareness efforts to curb red-light running: Director-general

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 20 January 2026 10:46 am

  

  The road transport department (JPJ) will continue strict enforcement and public awareness efforts to curb running of red lights and improve compliance with traffic regulations, reported New Straits Times. Non-compliance with traffic signals remained a persistent issue that posed serious risks to the public, said JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

  “It is still occurring. From time to time, there are offences among the public related to non-compliance with road regulations, especially running red lights. As such, the JPJ, in collaboration with the police, will maintain regular patrols and periodic operations to reinforce compliance,” he said.

  The JPJ director-general said this in response to calls for tougher action following an incident in Jitra, Kedah where a 22-year-old motorcyclist was killed when a van alleged ran a red light and collided into her motorcycle.

  According to an earlier New Straits Times report, the driver of the van involved was arrested to assist with investigations. Initial urine screening for the van driver returned a negative result for drugs, according to police, and investigation has commenced under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act, which relates to causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.

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• 300 EV vans for Rapid On-Demand between late-2027 and end-2028, zones expanding, in-app payments soon

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Jonathan James Tan / 20 January 2026 10:04 am

  

  Rapid On-Demand is going EV – 300 electric vans (130 in the Klang Valley, 170 in Penang) are planned to enter service between late-2027 and end-2028, Bernama reports, with Prasarana Malaysia strategy and planning head Sharul Azwa Abd Rani telling The Star that the cost of the EV vans are still being assessed. Also targeted are 18 new diesel vans for the Klang Valley to bring the total to 255 by end-2028.

  There’ll also be new service zones, although Bernama reports 45 (22 Klang Valley, 23 Penang) while The Star reports 53 (31 Klang Valley, 22 Penang) by end-2028, with eight of them complementing the still-delayed LRT3 Shah Alam Line.

  The Rapid On-Demand app (download for iOS | download for Android) will be upgraded by mid-February to include in-app payments and a special booking feature for persons with disabilities (OKU), who travel free thanks to the Rapid Mesra pass.

  

  Rapid Bus acting CEO Ku Jamil Zakaria told The Star that about 10% of the new vans will be fitted with remote-controlled swivel seats to help those with mobility issues get on. “For vans without this feature, the drivers will assist those with mobility issues to get on board,” he said.

  The Rapid On-Demand fare will be doubled to RM2 a journey beginning February. The RM1 promo fare has existed since the 2023 proof-of-concept phase. The new fare also applies to My50, Rapid Kota, Rapid Kembara and Rapid Keluarga pass holders.

  On January 16, Rapid On-Demand took over 16 MRT feeder routes and three Rapid KL bus routes. There’s only one app now – the ability to book the service was removed from Mobi, Trek Rides and Kummute on November 15.

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