MITI clarifies open investment rules for BYD and other foreign automakers in Malaysia Reported on March 31, 2026, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has issued a statement clarifying its policies on foreign automotive investment and BYD’s CKD assembly plans in Malaysia. Earlier reports suggested that MITI had imposed restrictive conditions on BYD’s Tanjung Malim plant, including a reported requirement to export up to 80% of...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

2026 Isuzu D-Max with new 2.2L turbocharged diesel engine launched in Malaysia Announced on March 31, 2026, the 2026 Isuzu D-Max has been launched in Malaysia, headlined by a new 2.2L turbodiesel engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, alongside styling and equipment updates. The new RZ4F-TC 2.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel replaces the 1.9L unit, producing 163 PS and 400 Nm, and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission co-developed w...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

or International joint venture, focused on global production and sale of EVs. The JV plans to start producing Leapmotor SUVs later in 2026 at a Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain, near a battery plant Stellantis is building with CATL. Leapmotor and Stellantis also plan to produce EVs in Brazil and Malaysia, in projects that will initially rely on assembly of imported knock-down kits. (Detroit News and other sources on April 2, 2026)...

News  Updated at: 2026/04/03

ng support, durable yet lightweight structures for heavy-duty operations, integrated fleet management functions, and adjustments for tropical climates. Jiuzi plans to expand its presence by developing sales and after-sales networks in Vietnam while pursuing opportunities in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, aiming to support broader adoption of electric commercial vehicles across Southeast Asia. (From Jiuzi Holdings Inc. release)...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/25

cluding the Tomakomai Eastern National Petroleum Stockpiling Base, to sell them to three major oil distributors and Taiyo Oil Co., Ltd. (Taiyo Oil) under discretionary contracts. On March 28, an oil tanker that loaded crude oil at Yanbu Port in Saudi Arabia and conducted transshipping activities in Malaysia will arrive at Taiyo Oil’s Shikoku office in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. On April 5, a tanker departed from Fujairah Port, UAE, will al...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/25

Omoda C9 PHEV launched in Malaysia with initial CBU units, followed by CKD models from Shah Alam On March 18, 2026, the Omoda C9 PHEV was launched in Malaysia, priced at MYR 208,800 (OTR, excluding insurance). The model arrived as a limited 50 fully imported (CBU) units, followed by locally assembled (CKD) production units in Shah Alam. The C9 PHEV uses a Super Hybrid System with a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), allowing the engine ...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/19

ket. While historically dominated by Japanese OEMs, their market share has declined to just over 70% amid the growing presence of Chinese OEMs such as BYD Company Limited (BYD), as well as VinFast Trading and Production Joint Stock Company (VinFast) of Vietnam and PROTON Holdings Berhad (Proton) in Malaysia. In response, TPR is accelerating efforts to expand its customer base, including Chinese OEMs, making diversification a key medium-term prior...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/18

Proton X90 SUV launched in Malaysia with updated powertrain and lineup On March 11, 2026, Proton introduced the updated 2026 Proton X90 in Malaysia, featuring a revised powertrain and simplified lineup.The SUV adopts a 1.5-liter i-GT turbocharged four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 1.5-liter three-cylinder with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Output is reduced to 181 PS and 290 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DCT and delivering fuel consumption of a...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/18

Jetour T2 off-road-style SUV launched in Malaysia as locally assembled model Reported on March 13, 2026, Jetour has launched the Jetour T2 SUV in Malaysia, with the locally assembled (CKD) model priced at MYR 157,669 OTR without insurance. An early-bird MYR 2,000 rebate is available for the first 3,000 registrations. The model recorded 368 bookings within the first 24 hours after launch. The T2, also known as the Traveller in some markets, featur...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/16

JPJ reveals Malaysia’s top EV registrations in February 2026, rankings by brand and model Reported on March 10, 2026, Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) data showed Proton maintaining its lead in the country’s EV market (by brand) in February 2026 with 1,802 registrations, ahead of BYD (469), iCaur (294), MG (206), and Zeekr (191).  The rest of the top 10 included Tesla (144), Leapmotor (90), XPeng (75), TQ Wuling (66), and Volvo (46)...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/13

countries under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors.  As part of its investigation, the USTR is requesting consultations with the governments of China, the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India.    The investigations will be used to determine whether ...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/13

ch 12. A WEY model is also scheduled for launch later in the year. The company has invested more than THB 20 billion in Thailand and plans to invest at least an additional THB 10 billion to support new vehicle development, manufacturing upgrades, and export capabilities. Export destinations include Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, and Australia. GWM also stated that its vehicles use auto parts manufactured in Thailand by leading suppliers, i...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/12

MG S5 EV enters local assembly in Malaysia at EPMB Pegoh plant; bookings open Reported on March 10, 2026, SAIC Motor Malaysia has begun local assembly of the MG S5 EV, with the first CKD unit produced at EPMB’s Plant 2 in Pegoh, Melaka. The model is MG’s first locally assembled vehicle in Malaysia and supports the company’s localization strategy and the local EV supply chain. Production is expected to reach 120–180 units per month, or 1,5...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/10

Jaecoo J5 2WD SUV launched in Malaysia Announced on March 5, 2026, Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia unveiled the Jaecoo J5, a compact premium crossover in the B-segment marketed as the brand’s “Urban Explorer.” In Malaysia, the front-wheel-drive Jaecoo J5 2WD starts from RM108,000. Dimensionally, the crossover measures (LWH) 4,380x 1,860x 1,650 mm, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm. The model is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/09

Rolling Wireless begins automotive NAD production at Penang plant in Malaysia Announced on March 5, 2026, Rolling Wireless’ manufacturing facility in Penang, Malaysia, has begun full-scale operations and started shipping products to global automotive customers.  The site completed required automotive industry and customer qualification processes, confirming compliance with automotive-grade manufacturing standards.  The plant is now mass-produ...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/06

All-New 6th generation Nissan Serena e-POWER MPV launched in Malaysia Announced on March 3, 2026, Edaran Tan Chong Motor launched the all-new Nissan Serena e-POWER in Malaysia. The 6th-generation mid-sized MPV features Nissan’s 2nd-generation e-POWER system and introduces Nissan ProPILOT driver assistance to the Malaysian market. It is available in five variants priced from MYR 154,800 (OTR, without insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia. The Serena...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/06

Toyota launches new Harrier Hybrid SUV in Malaysia Announced on March 2, 2026, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched the Toyota Harrier HEV in Malaysia, a premium SUV featuring Toyota’s hybrid technology. Built on the TNGA-K platform, the Harrier HEV is powered by a 2.5L Dynamic Force engine paired with a fourth-generation hybrid system, delivering around 217 PS and fuel consumption of 4.7 L/100 km. The self-charging system regenerates energy during...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/05

Hyundai names Thai Executive ASEAN President; Thailand plant expected by early Q3 2026 Reported on March 3, 2026, Hyundai’s Thai executive has been appointed President for ASEAN, effective March 2, 2026. She will oversee the company’s regional operations across Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam, reporting to the President of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific. Hyundai Mobility Thailand plans to open a local vehicle and batte...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/05

All-new Proton Saga sedan makes first international launch in Brunei Announced on March 2, 2026, Proton International Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (PICSB) launched the all-new Proton Saga in Brunei, marking its first export introduction following its Malaysia debut and the brand’s second model launch in Brunei in 2026 after the X50. Built on PROTON’s Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), the all-new Saga offers enhanced structural performance, safety...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/04

Tan Chong Motor, Malaysia comments on FYE Dec 2025 improvement despite Q4 headwinds Announced on February 27, 2026, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad said its automotive business operated in a supportive 2025 market, though softer Q4 vehicle sales and higher forex losses led to lower quarterly revenue and a wider loss. For the financial year ended December 31, 2025, automotive revenue edged up YoY, with the Group’s revenue rising 1.3% to MYR 2.11...

News  Updated at: 2026/03/04