Latest Featured Stories

• 

  2026 Proton S70: 181 PS, 0-100 7.5 secs, 17.5 km/l

• 

  Mitsubishi Xforce: 1.5L NA, CKD; RM110k-RM120k est

• 

  Dongfeng 007 in Malaysia – 650 km CLTC, fr RM161k

• 

  Proton eMas 7 PHEV – 996 km, RM106k-RM126k

• 

  GWM Wey G9 MPV in Malaysia – RM270k

• 

  Toyota Vios Hybrid – 111 PS, 27.8 km/l, fr RM104k

Latest Stories

• 2026 Zeekr 7X pricing updated – three variants now from RM183k to RM231k; increased by up to 1.8%

  In Cars, Local News, Zeekr / by Mick Chan / 6 February 2026 5:31 pm

  

  Zeekr Malaysia has announced the latest pricing for the Zeekr 7X range that was officially launched in Malaysia in August 2025, which sees a slight increase across the board following the removal of Malaysian government incentives at the end of 2025.

  Latest pricing for the Zeekr 7X range effective 2026, at a glance:

  • Zeekr 7X RWD Standard – RM182,800 (up from RM179,800 at launch)
  • Zeekr 7X RWD Long Range – RM193,800 (up from RM190,800 at launch)
  • Zeekr 7X AWD Performance – RM230,800 (up from RM226,800 at launch)

  According to Zeekr Malaysia, the price adjustments represent increases of 1.7% for the Standard, 1.6% for the Long Range and 1.8% for the Performance, respectively, which the company says “reflects its commitment to Malaysian customers and the brand’s long‑term strategy locally.”

  

  “The Zeekr 7X has been an incredibly important model for us in Malaysia, and as we transition from last year’s stock which necessitates a price update, we have done our best to keep the adjustment as low as possible for our Malaysian consumers. The modest 1.8% pricing increase allows us to stay competitive without compromising on premium technology, high quality, or the overall ownership experience Zeekr is known for,” said Zeekr Malaysia general manager Eddy Lu in a statement.

  The two RWD variants, the Standard and the Long Range get a single 421 PS/440 Nm rear-mounted drive motor enabling a 0-100 km/h time of six seconds, the former powered by a 75 kWh LFP battery for 480 km of range (WLTP) and the latter using a 100 kWh NMC battery for 615 km of range (WLTP).

  The range-topper that is the AWD Performance gets a 646 PS/710 Nm pairing, enabling the 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds. Energy is stored in a 100 kWh NMC battery as in the RWD Long Range variant, though the greater powertrain demands mean that range is lower at 543 km (WLTP).

  

  

  Zeekr 7X AWD Performance in Malaysia

  For AC charging, the 7X range takes up to 22 kW AC across the board, with the smallest-battery equipped Standard Range taking the least time at 4.5 hours for a 10-100% charge, with the other two variants requiring 5.5 hours.

  The Standard Range also gets the quickest DC charging capability at 450 kW, enabling a 10-80% recharge in 10.5 minutes; the RWD Long Range and AWD Performance that can take a maximum rate of 420 kW DC requires 16 minutes over the same measure. All three variants support V2L at up to 3.3 kW.

  Safety kit across all three variants include seven airbags, ACC, lane centring control, lane keep assist, auto lane change, AEB with forward collision warning and mitigation, parking emergency brake, door open warning, blind spot monitoring, rear collision mitigation support, front and rear cross traffic alert, driver monitoring, automated parking assist, a 360 camera with transparent chassis and sentry mode.

  Zeekr Malaysia stated that it will be expanding its portfolio this year, which could be timely for the 7X that was facelifted in October, along with local assembly plans as well as products confirmed and under consideration for this market. Might the 7X facelift also arrive in Malaysia this year?

  Zeekr 7X AWD Performance in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Zeekr 7X RWD Long Range in Malaysia

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Toyota taps Kenta Kon to be new president, CEO – Koji Sato to become vice chairman, chief industry officer

  In International News, Toyota / by Jonathan Lee / 6 February 2026 3:57 pm

  

  Toyota has announced that it has appointed operating officer and chief financial officer Kenta Kon to become its president and CEO, effective April 1. He replaces Koji Sato, who will move into a vice chairman role under Akio Toyoda, as well as occupying the newly-formed role of chief industry officer.

  As the Japanese giant’s new boss, Kon will handle internal company management, with Sato instead focusing on the broader industry, including being chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA). Toyota said the switch was made to “accelerate management decision-making in response to changes in the internal and external environment.”

  Kon was tapped for his experience on the finance side, as the company aims to improve profits and lower the break-even volume of its products in pursuit of building ever-better cars. He will be tasked with instituting wide-scale reforms to its entire value chain, leveraging his cross-functional management experience while working at the Woven by Toyota software division.

  

  As for Sato, his JAMA role will allow him to pursue greater collaboration with other Japanese carmakers. He is also the vice chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and in his role there he is expected to promote policy proposals centered on monozukuri (manufacturing) and advance industry collaboration to enhance Japan’s industrial competitiveness.”

  The change in leadership comes as Toyota faces rivals to its dominance on the global front, with Chinese carmakers like BYD making serious inroads. Even so, the company sold a record 11.3 million vehicles last year, retaining its position as the world’s largest carmaker.

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Singapore to raise VEP, GVP fees from January 1, 2027

  In International News / by Mick Chan / 6 February 2026 3:55 pm

  

  The cost of driving into Singapore is set to increase from next year, as the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced increased Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and Goods Vehicle Permit (GVP) fees which will take effect from January 1, 2027, reported The Straits Times.

  The Singapore LTA said that it reviews the fees periodically so that the cost of owning and using a foreign-registered vehicle in Singapore is commensurate with that of a Singapore-registered vehicle, adding that the cost difference between Singapore-registered vehicles and foreign-registered ones has widened in recent years, “giving rise to the need to increase” the fees.

  For foreign-registered cars and motorcycles entering Singapore, the VEP fee will be increased to S$50 (RM155) a day for cars, up from S$35 (RM108) day, and to S$7 (RM22) a day for motorcycles, up from S$4 (RM12) a day.

  In addition to the higher prices, the 10 free days per year and free VEP hours on weekdays will also be removed, the Singapore LTA stated. From January 1, 2027, the new VEP rates will apply on all days, except on weekends and Singapore public holidays.

  

  At present, those operating foreign-registered cars and motorcycles will get 10 free VEP days per calendar year, and are exempt from paying the VEP if they enter Singapore from 5pm and exit by 2am the next day, or when they enter from 12pm and exit by 2am the next day during the Singapore school holidays in June and December, according to The Straits Times.

  For foreign-registered goods vehicles, the GVP fee will be increased from S$40 (RM124) to S$70 (RM217) per calendar month. Owners of foreign-registered goods vehicles may continue to purchase the GVP at the current rate of S$40 (RM124) before the revised fee takes effect in the new year, however GVPs with a validity period from the effective date of the revised fee will be charged S$70 (RM217) per calendar month, according to the LTA.

  Meanwhile for electronic road pricing (ERP) in the city-state from January 1, 2027, foreign-registered vehicles without an OBU (on-board unit) must pay S$3 (RM9.30) for motorcycles and S$10 (RM31) for all other vehicles for every ERP operational day that the vehicle travels on Singapore roads.

  The OBU is optional for most foreign-registered vehicles but mandatory for Malaysian taxis, which must have them for tracking and enforcement purposes in Singapore. Motorists can install the new ERP2 OBU in foreign-registered vehicles from April 1, priced at S$158.70 (RM492) until December 31, excluding installation which must be carried out in Singapore by authorised workshops and technicians.

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Changan Nevo A06 becomes world’s first production passenger EV with sodium-ion battery; CATL Naxtra

  In Cars, Changan, International News / by Jonathan James Tan / 6 February 2026 3:35 pm

  

  Pic from Car News China

  Whereas the MG4 Anxin Edition was the first production EV with a semi-solid state battery, the Changan Nevo A06 has become the sodium-ion battery equivalent, reports Car News China. It’s a 45-kWh unit from CATL’s Naxtra brand, giving the EV sedan a 400 km CLTC range.

  Yes, that’s a lot shorter than the 510 and 630 km of the LFP-batteried versions, but sodium-ion batteries perform better than LFP batteries in extreme cold – CATL has claimed before that its unit retains 90% of its usable capacity in -40-degree temperatures and can charge immediately even when totally frozen at -30 degrees. Not much of a boon for Malaysia then; at least not now – CATL says that as sodium-ion technology advances, 500-600 km ranges could one day be possible.

  Packing a 175 Wh/kg energy density, the battery has been tested rigorously in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia. Changan says the car’s discharge power at -30 degrees is almost thrice that of conventional LFP batteries of equal capacity, and discharge is stable even at -50 degrees.

  

  

  

  Pics from Car News China

  The battery was also subjected to multi-directional extrusion, electric drill penetration and complete sawing while fully charged, and exhibited no smoke, sensation, fire nor explosion, the company says, adding that the battery continued to discharge normally even after being sawn through.

  Changan has announced that its brands, including Avatr, Deepal, Nevo and Uni, will progressively integrate CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion batteries into their future models.

  CATL last month unveiled its Tianxing II range of light commercial EV batteries, including a low-temperature version that is the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery for commercial EVs. The Naxtra brand is not used for this commercial sodium-ion battery, but it appears to have the same specifications as the passenger-vehicle one.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• UMW Toyota sold a ‘steady’ 4,700 cars in Jan 2026 – GR Corolla AT and Vios Hybrid launched last month

  In Cars, Local News, Toyota / by Danny Tan / 6 February 2026 3:29 pm

  

  UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) sold 4,700 units in January 2026, which the company describes as a steady opening for the year amidst a competitive market environment. The result reflects steady market response across Toyota’s core segments, supported by a broad and well-established product line-up in the Malaysian market, UMWT says.

  “Guided by its ‘Best in Town’ approach, UMWT remains committed to delivering a dependable and well-supported ownership experience, reinforcing customer confidence and preference through quality products, nationwide support, and trusted aftersales care,” the Toyota and Lexus distributor said in a statement.

  “Chinese New Year is a time of renewal and togetherness, and for many Malaysians it also involves travelling to be with family. During the festive period, peace of mind on the road matters even more. It comes from vehicles that are engineered to perform consistently over long journeys and supported by dependable care, so families can travel with confidence and focus on the moments that truly matter,” said UMWT president Datuk Ravindran K.

  

  Last month, UMWT launched two models that highlights the breadth of its offerings. On one end is the GR Corolla AT with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox channeling the hot hatch’s 300 PS/400 Nm to all four corners. The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 5.3 seconds. The CBU Japan import is yours for RM379k, which is RM10k more than the six-speed manual version.

  In the other corner is the new Vios Hybrid, which is priced from RM103,900 to RM109,900 for the GR Sport, a new trim level for the Vios here.

  The CKD HEV is powered by the fourth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, which incorporates the E-CVT planetary gearset to enable a mechanical connection between the engine and driven wheels. That engine is the 1.5L 2NR-VEX, which differs from the standard 2NR-VE by operating on an Atkinson cycle. The 91 PS/121 Nm ICE partners with an 80 PS/141 Nm electric motor, and there’s a 0.76 kWh lithium-ion battery in the loop. Fuel consumption is rated at 3.6 litres per 100 km, which is 27.8 km/l.

  Strong start for the top non-national brand and overall No.3. Click the links for more on the new entries.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Jetour Malaysia to expand to 50 outlets in 2026 – new HQ with regional technical training centre to be set up

  In Cars, Jetour, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 6 February 2026 3:13 pm

  

  Having sold 2,741 vehicles here last year, Jetour Malaysia has announced plans to grow its presence in the country this year with an expansion of its network infrastructure.

  Besides increasing the number of its sales and service outlets, the brand is also set to establish a new headquarters/flagship service centre alongside a regional technical training centre in the first half of the year. This will be located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam.

  Its present network of 31 authorised sales and service centres, located across 13 key states and regions across the country, will be expanded to 50 outlets by the end of this year. This will be supported by ongoing service network development, quarterly aftersales campaigns and customer car clinics, the company added.

  

  

  

  New products are also on the cards, with introductions across the SUV spectrum expected over the course of the year. Models set to make their way in to Malaysia in 2026 include the boxy and rugged Jetour T1, which was last spied two months ago, and T2, which made its first public showing here in May last year.

  According to Jetour Auto Malaysia VP Nicholas Ng, the brand’s forward-looking roadmap for 2026 reinforces its long-term commitment to the Malaysian market. “Malaysia remains a key market in Jetour’s global growth strategy. Our focus is on building a stronger, more distinctive SUV portfolio while continuing to invest in the capabilities and infrastructure that support long-term confidence among customers and partners,” he said.

  Earlier this week, the company unveiled its new logo in Malaysia, which is a stylised ‘JT’ that also resembles the Chinese character 行 (xing), which means to move forward. It said the new logo reflects its ambition to “further elevate its brand presence in Malaysia in 2026.”

  

  

  

  

  
  

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• CBU EV importers may be required to install charging stations; prioritising DC chargers crucial: MITI

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 6 February 2026 2:06 pm

  

  The ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI) is considering requiring companies bringing in fully imported (CBU) electric vehicles to help install more EV charging facilities, said its minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, reported Free Malaysia Today.

  This move could become a future requirement to support EV growth and access to EV charging nationwide, Johari said in the Dewan Rakyat. “For any CBU-imported cars, we want them to also play a role in providing these facilities,” he said.

  As of December 31, 2025, there are a total of 5,624 public chargers installed nationwide, or 56% of the 2025 target of 10,000 public chargers set by the government, Johari said. Of these, 1,923 DC fast chargers have been installed, surpassing the 1,500-unit target for DC charging points, while AC chargers lagged behind at 3,701 units, or about 43% of the 8,500-unit target, the minister said.

  

  “The availability of fast chargers is the main factor influencing users’ confidence to switch to electric vehicles,” said Johari, who said that prioritising installation of DC chargers is crucial to building consumer trust. The minister also encouraged EV owners to install chargers at home, according to the report.

  With the shortfall coming from the lower rate of AC charger installation, the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association (MyZEVA) estimated in 2024 that the target for 8,500 public AC chargers would only be met in the third quarter of this year.

  Among the EV brands in Malaysia with their own charging network is Tesla, which secured exemption from having a local partner for its franchise AP under the BEV Global Leaders programme in 2023.

  A requirement for Tesla’s exemption was that at least 30% of its DC fast chargers (with a minimum of 180 kW) are open to the public, and for use by EVs from other brands from 2025, but this has yet to happen as Tesla Superchargers are still only accessible by Tesla vehicles.

  5 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Kelle Energy launches Malaysia’s first BESS mobile EV chargers – 60 kW DC, solution to charging queues?

  In Electric Cars in Malaysia, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 6 February 2026 1:28 pm

  

  Singapore-based Kelle Energy has launched Malaysia’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) mobile EV chargers. These wheeled powerbanks have a 184 kWh BESS, are capable of 60 kW DC charging, can juice up multiple EVs and are positioned as a quick, cost-effective and grid-independent alternative to permanent charging infrastructure. A solution to highway charging queues?

  The company has also signed two MoUs – the first with Gotion High-Tech (Gotion) subsidiary Anhui Yijianeng Digital Technology (AYDT) to support strategic investment and business development initiatives for mobile energy solutions and BESS applications in the region, and the second with both AYDT and EV Connection (EVC) to deploy and expand mobile EV charging solutions across Malaysia.

  

  The parties will also “work together to introduce scalable, user-centric mobile EV charging services tailored to Malaysia’s urban centres, commercial facilities, fleet operators and emerging EV demand corridors.”

  Kelle Energy’s mobile EV charger technology partner is Gotion, a Chinese battery maker part-owned by the Volkswagen Group. It was recently reported that the Johor government is finalising discussions with Gotion to set up an EV battery manufacturing facility in the state.

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• 2026 Proton S70 open for booking – 1.5T i-GT 4-cyl, 0-100 km/h 7.5 secs, 17.5 km/l, AACP, launch 11 Feb

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Jonathan Lee / 6 February 2026 12:11 pm

  

  Right on cue, Proton has previewed the 2026 S70, which will be open for booking at all 3S and 4S centres nationwide starting tomorrow, February 7, ahead of its launch of February 11. The segment-straddling sedan receives minor exterior and interior tweaks that belie a big change under the bonnet.

  That change is a 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ i-GT turbo direct-injected four-cylinder engine, which replaces the GEP3 three-pot. Outputs are rated at 181 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm, a considerable 31 PS/64 Nm jump over the old port-injected mill. Equipped with the same seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission as before, the new engine takes a second and a half out of the zero-to-100 km/h sprint, completing it in 7.5 seconds.

  This boost in performance comes at no expense to fuel economy – in fact, shorn of the X70‘s heft, the S70 consumes much less petrol at 5.7 litres per 100 km (17.5 km per litre), which is only slightly more than the Saga with a naturally-aspirated engine and a four-speed auto (5.1 litres per 100 km, or 19.6 km per litre). Proton also promises lower running costs thanks to a switch to a toothed timing chain, along with smoother gearshifts from a recalibrated gearbox.

  

  Speaking of the NA engine, Proton made no mention of such a version for the S70, despite earlier rumours. Perhaps the less powerful four-pot, which makes 120 PS and 150 Nm, will be offered at a later date to coincide with the Persona’s eventual discontinuation, acting as an indirect replacement with a lower price.

  Beyond that, the changes are as previously reported, lifted from the 2025 Geely Emgrand. The LED headlights have been very slightly tweaked, and they are actually a downgrade from the previous model’s, equipped with halogen reflector indicators. These were previously integrated into the eyebrow-like LED daytime running lights, which have been retained. The turn signals take the place of the old high beams near the inner edge, so the projectors are likely doing double duty now, integrating both the low and high beams.

  Also new are the Flagship’s 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, again almost identical to the outgoing ones but with a more blade-like design for the spokes. It’s here where you’ll find another downgrade, as the Kumho Ecowing ES31 tyres have been swapped out for GitiComfort F22 rubber. This is the third tyre choice for the S70, which originally ran Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2s before the Goodyear plant in Shah Alam was closed – a similar swap was performed for the 2026 X70 after the Continental plant closure.

  

  Lastly, the 2026 S70 will see the debut of a new bodykit, featuring “fangs” framing the air intake, red highlights all around, a more aggressive diffuser-like rear skirt and a boot lid lip spoiler with a sizeable centre cutout. It remains to be seen if this will be fitted as standard on the top variants (at least for a limited time, as was the case for the current car) or offered as a cost option.

  The interior is virtually unchanged from the current S70, retaining the horizontal dashboard with a full-width air vent design, broad centre console topped by a T-shaped gearlever, the 10.25-inch instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and even the black faux leather seats.

  

  Curiously, the car continues to lack a speed limiter button on the steering wheel, different from every other Proton model with adaptive cruise control. The good news is that Proton has finally given the S70 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, having snubbed owners of the current model.

  The S70 continues to be offered with a wide range of driver assists, including Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features such as the aforementioned adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist, plus autonomous emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert. As yet, it is unclear if these will continue to be fitted only to the top-spec Flagship variants, but judging by the latest X50 and X70, this will likely be unfortunately still the case.

  Proton has yet to provide any details on pricing, but for reference, the current S70 is priced at RM73,800 for the Executive, RM79,800 for the Premium, RM89,800 for the Flagship and RM94,800 for the sunroof-equipped Flagship X.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2026 Proton S70 at Proton CS Prima Auto

  

  

  

  

  
  

  8 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Xpeng GX shown in first images – new flagship EV SUV with range extender, Range Rover-inspired design

  In Cars, International News, Xpeng / by Gerard Lye / 6 February 2026 12:00 pm

  

  Xpeng took to Weibo to post the first images of its new flagship crossover called the GX, which you should definitely not confuse with a Range Rover. Expected to make its public debut at this year’s Auto Beijing in April, the GX will take on other full-size SUVs sold in China such as the Li Auto L9, Aito M9, Zeekr 9X and Denza N9.

  Viewed from the side, the GX bears a striking resemblance to the current-day Range Rover, although the Xpeng model sport design cues to avoid a “Spider-Man pointing meme.” For starters, the face of the GX appears to feature low-mounted lighting units, a full-width light bar and no traditional grille.

  The front doors also lack the decorative garnish seen on the Range Rover, while the rear gets a horizontal light bar instead of downturned U-shaped signature. Judging by the photos, the GX looks to be around 5.2 metres long, as suggested by CarNewsChina. We’re not sure if those retractable door handles will make the cut considering China’s decision to ban hidden door handles starting from January next year.

  

  

  Internally known by its codename G01, the GX will adopt Xpeng’s Kunpeng Super Electric System, which is a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) powertrain that is said to feature 5C charging technology and a hybrid range of over 1,000 km.

  The Weibo post also reveals the GX to be an “AI-powered” six-seater. As with many Chinese cars, the country’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) will most likely publish specifications of the GX in due time.

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Zeekr has CKD local assembly plans for its EVs, leveraging on parent Geely’s investment in Malaysia

  In Cars, Local News, Zeekr / by Danny Tan / 6 February 2026 11:42 am

  

  At the recent test drive event for Malaysian media and owners in Harbin, China, Zeekr Malaysia’s GM Eddy Lu revealed that the brand’s 9X flagship SUV will be coming to Malaysia, with the 007 GT a.k.a. 7GT shooting brake EV under consideration for our market. He also said that local assembly is in Zeekr’s plans.

  Lu said that Zeekr, as part of the Geely Group, will leverage on the group’s investments in Malaysia. “CKD is in the plans,” he said without elaborating, perhaps due to things being at an early stage. This confirms what we heard from Proton last year about Zeekr cars being locally assembled at the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, which is anchored by Proton.

  Alex Bao, head of Zeekr Southeast Asia, first broached the CKD subject in May 2025. “Don’t forget we are under a big group, which has a lot of facilities and manufacturing power here. So, we’ve been discussing this issue but it will take some time,” he said then. When asked if it will be at Proton’s new EV plant, he said “very possible, very possible. We are under the same mother!”

  

  Eddy Lu, general manager of Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia

  In July 2023, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Geely will invest US$10 billion (RM39.5 billion) to turn Tanjong Malim into the region’s largest auto city. In October that same year, Geely and DRB-Hicom signed a master collaboration agreement for the AHTV project.

  Now that the tax-free window for CBU imported EVs has closed, local assembly becomes vital if a brand wants to sell EVs in meaningful numbers – it’s no longer a free for all thanks to a new regulation imposing a RM250k minimum price for CBU EVs.

  Originally, it was understood that the new floor price would be for brands that have yet to set up shop in Malaysia, but it has since been expanded to include new models from existing brands. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is trying to clarify this with Malaysia’s investment, trade and industry ministry (MITI).

  

  Geely and DRB-Hicom signed an agreement in 2023 to develop AHTV in Tg Malim

  We might not see the new regulation’s full effect yet thanks to the availability of 2025 stock, but as things stand, CBU EV prices will eventually go up, and the RRP difference between the imports and CKD locally assembled EVs will widen – it will be pretty similar to what we’ve seen all these years with ICE cars. See Audi versus BMW and Mercedes-Benz, for instance.

  Fortunately for Zeekr, the premium brand is ‘under the same mother’ as Proton, and Geely is invested in AHTV and Malaysia.

  2 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• MyDigital ID will be sole login method for MyJPJ app from March 1 – 1-month extension from Feb deadline

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 6 February 2026 11:30 am

  

  Over the past week, motorists accessing the road transport department’s (JPJ) MyJPJ mobile app by entering their 12-digit identification card (MyKad) number and password might have found that they can still do so, despite MyDigital ID having been announced as the sole login method for the app starting from February 1, 2026.

  This is because the deadline for that requirement has been extended to March 1, likely to give those who haven’t registered for it the chance to do so. Back in November last year, it indicated that around 13 million users have downloaded or registered for the MyJPJ app, and from that figure, 1.3 million users had begun using their MyDigital ID to log into the app.

  It added that around 11 million users had still to register for MyDigital ID at that point. There’s no update on registrations, but given how Malaysians tend to be at these things, you can assume that the percentage of those still unregistered is likely very high.

  If you haven’t, get going. It’s a simple enough process to sign up. This only applies to Malaysian users above the age of 18, as those under that age as well as MyPR card holders will continue to use the traditional login method.

  4 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Integrated database on drivers of heavy vehicles planned for more effective enforcement, monitoring

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 6 February 2026 11:09 am

  

  The Malaysian government, through the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) is planning the development of an integrated, inter-agency database on drivers of heavy vehicles for more effective enforcement and monitoring, reported Bernama.

  The intention is to identify drivers’ past records at an early stage and prevent those with repeat offences from continuing to operate, said deputy transport minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.

  “The development of this system will be carried out in phases, with a focus on integration with existing databases on the road transport department (JPJ), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) and other relevant agencies, in line with the Malaysia Road Safety Plan 2022-2030,” the deputy transport minister said.

  “One of the objectives is to enables data-sharing. With advanced digital technology, all this can be done, where we can merge and share data,” he continued. Data integration would allow authorities to verify the backgrounds of existing drivers and new recruits, which will support more targeted intervention, he added.

  

  The government is also moving away from solely placing responsibility on the drivers of heavy vehicles, and will hold the operators accountable to ensure that they actively monitor the discipline, records and qualifications of drivers they employ in order to prevent repeat incidents involving drivers and vehicles with prior traffic offences, he said.

  “You pay the driver, you engage the driver, you should monitor your driver as well. Failure by operators to comply with these requirements may result in enforcement action, including suspension or revocation of operator licences,” the deputy transport minister said.

  Under existing enforcement measures, heavy vehicle drivers are subject to provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) which includes suspension of revocation of driving licences as well as vocational licences, such as the public service vehicle (PSV) and goods driving licence (GDL), as well as fines, prosecution and demerit points for repeated or serious offences.

  Meanwhile, the phased implementation of speed limitation devices (SLDs) in commercial vehicles has seen 63,127 out of 513,679 commercial vehicles installed with the devices, and the JPJ will continue enforcement of the installation of SLDs on commercial vehicles, Hasbi said.

  0 comments | Leave a comment?

   

• Geely, Ford discussing partnership; could lead to former using Ford’s Valencia factory in Spain – report

  In Cars, Ford, Geely, International News / by Jonathan James Tan / 6 February 2026 10:55 am

  

  

  Geely and Ford are discussing a possible partnership, Reuters reports, citing sources. This could see Geely using Ford factory space in Europe (likely the one in Valencia, Spain) to make vehicles for the region, as well as both companies sharing technologies, particularly in automated driving.

  The two carmakers have reportedly been in talks for months and met in Michigan last week. Ford reportedly sent a delegation to China this week to deepen discussions. While Geely declined to comment, Ford told Reuters that “we have discussions with lots of companies all the time on a variety of topics. Sometimes they materialise, sometimes they don’t.”

  Ford CEO Jim Farley has been vocal about the need for the company to catch up with China, saying in an interview at the Aspen Ideas Festival last year that China’s EV and connected-vehicle prowess was “the most humbling thing I have ever seen.”

  When asked if president Trump would nix a joint-venture between Ford and a Chinese carmaker, he said: “I don’t think so. I think as long as it has the right guardrails and we think about it the right way, no, I’ve found openness throughout the government to do this, because I think they know it’s required.”

  

  Farley has also been outspoken about the need for partnerships and Ford recently forged an EV production deal in Europe with Renault. Geely has also partnered with Renault in South Korea and Brazil to produce and sell cars built on Geely technology using Renault’s plants and sales network.

  Obviously, all this is due to the European Union’s tariffs of up to 37.6% on imported Chinese EVs. Leapmotor will be building cars in Spain while Magna will be building Xpeng and GAC EVs in Graz, Austria.

  For the US, however, Reuters writes that a tie-up with Geely for vehicles or technology earmarked for the country could face scrutiny from American lawmakers, who previously slammed Ford’s decision to license EV battery technologies from CATL for a plant in Michigan.

  Still, Trump last month said he would welcome a Chinese carmaker that wants to build cars in the US if it brought investment and jobs, and the government recently pushed out Elizabeth Cannon, a Commerce Department official whose office led the effort to bar Chinese cars and technologies from the US.

  1 comment | Leave a comment?

   

• Hong Leong Bank Tesla financing as low as 1.38% p.a.

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 6 February 2026 10:52 am

  

  Eyeing a new Tesla? You simply must check Hong Leong Bank out, where you’ll find financing rates as low as 1.38% per annum, fast approval subject to document completion and flexible repayment/payment tenures to suit your budget.

  The attractive 1.38% rate applies to the Tesla Model 3 Performance – the most potent variant in the facelifted ‘Highland’ range. We’re talking about two motors, 460 hp, 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and a 261 km/h top speed, and in spite of all that performance, its WLTP range is a very respectable 528 km.

  Setting it apart from other Model 3 variants are adaptive dampers, a 10-mm lower ride height, Track Mode V3, drift mode, larger brakes with red callipers, black 20-inch ‘Warp’ forged alloys, carbon-fibre interior trim and more heavily-bolstered sports seats with integrated headrests. This is a serious machine.

  Want something less performance-skewed? There’s the recently-introduced Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Model Y Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. The former is the most affordable new Tesla in Malaysia, with a 534 km WLTP range and a 6.2-second century sprint time, while the latter’s single motor pushes the SUV to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and boasts an impressive 661 km WLTP range.

  Turn your Tesla dream into a reality with Hong Leong Bank today – learn more here.

   

Latest Fuel Prices