Proton has announced it has signed a distributorship agreement with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL) which will see the latter sell Proton eMas models in Sri Lanka.
DHPL is the holding company of the David Pieris Group, which initially focused on automobiles but has since expanded to include other businesses such as financial services, logistics and leisure services. With Proton being part of its portfolio, the company will leverage on its in-house financial services and logistics to support its new venture of selling eMas vehicles.
“Proton International Corporation is pleased to have signed a distributorship agreement with David Pieris Holdings as we believe they are the right partner to grow our presence in Sri Lanka. With their extensive resources and years of automotive experience, our ultimate ambition is for Proton to become the leading NEV brand in the country,” said Edmund Lim Meng Thong, CEO of Proton International Corporation (PICSB).
According to Proton, there are currently four export markets for eMas models, including Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius and Nepal. Sales in Sri Lanka are expected to begin later this year, bringing the number up to five, with Brunei also expected to join the list soon.
“The launch of Proton eMas has paved the way towards better market penetration for Proton International Corporation. For some markets, our NEV vehicles are the only models sold to carry the Proton brand while in markets that also have ICE offerings, our distributors are able to offer a more holistic mobility solution to their customers,” commented Lim.
A total of 147 motorcycles were seized while 827 summonses were issued during a joint enforcement operation targeting motorcycle-related offences. Of the summonses issued, 671 were issued by police Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department (JSPT), while the remaining 156 were issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Two individuals were also arrested under Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for further investigation. According to JSPT Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zamzuri Mohd Isa, the operation focused on various motorcycle offences, including falsified registration numbers and riding without a valid licence, reports Bernama.
“Most of the motorcycle riders inspected were aged between 15 and 20. Among the reasons given was that they were not yet old enough to obtain a licence, while some said they had gone out at night simply to spend time riding around,” he said at a press conference following the operation. The operation, which began at 2 am in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpuraszxc, also uncovered offences involving modified registration plates, including incomplete numbers and registration numbers that differed between the front and rear of motorcycles.
Zamzuri urged parents to pay closer attention to their children’s movements and ensure they do not engage in activities that could endanger themselves or other road users. “Being responsible and practising good judgement on the road not only protects themselves, but can also save the lives of other road users,” he said.
For those travelling in the next two days, take note that PLUS Malaysia has announced the closure of a number of its R&R (rest and relaxation) locations for cleaning works, set to take place on August 11 and 12 depending on location.
Closures on Tuesday, August 11 will involve the Taiping (Southbound) stop and the Bukit Gantang (Northbound) stop, both from 8am to 4pm. Closures on this date also involve the Juru (Southbound) stop, the Sungai Bakap (Northbound) stop and the Restoran Jejantas Penanti (Eastbound and Westbound) stop, from 7am to 3pm.
Closures on Wednesday, August 12 involve the Taiping (Northbound) stop from 8am to 4pm, and the Sungai Perak R&R (Southbound) from 10am to 4am. On both dates, petrol stations will maintain their usual operating hours, stated PLUS Malaysia.
Mitsubishi has revealed its first production non-kei EV called the ASX VR-e, set to be launched in Australia in the fourth quarter of the year. The SUV-cum-hatchback carries on the Active Sports Crossover name into a new generation, with the suffix harking back to the legendary Galant VR-4 sports sedan.
Except it isn’t actually a wholly Mitsubishi product. Just like most of itsotherpassengercarmodels released over the past few years, the ASX VR-e is a rebadge of another car. And if you’re thinking that this car looks suspiciously non-Alliance, that’s because it’s based on the Foxtron Bria (previously known as the Model B), built by famed iPhone maker Foxconn.
The Taiwanese firm inked a supply deal last May and in that intervening time, Mitsubishi has made a few changes to bring the car more in line with its needs. The full-width front light bar has been mildly restyled and now vaguely resembles the brand’s Dynamic Shield face, while the wheel design is also akin to other models in the stable.
Apart from the new linear pattern on the C-pillars, however, the rest of the car (bearing in mind that we have yet to see the rear end, although we’re not expecting big changes there, either) is identical to the Pininfarina-designed original.
That means you still get a sleek but rather nondescript design and features such as an active grille shutter, flush pop-out door handles and an S-duct bonnet to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The same is true for the interior, which retains its four-spoke steering wheel, clean horizontal dashboard, wraparound ambient lighting, slimline 9.2-inch instrument display and massive 15.6-inch centre touchscreen.
Mitsubishi has confirmed that the ASX VR-e will be offered in LS, Aspire, Exceed and GSR trim levels (trying to cram in every one of its iconic nameplates, I see), and while no details have been revealed just yet, the Bria is offered in Taiwan in single- and dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants.
The former’s rear motor produces 232 PS (171 kW) and 350 Nm of torque and is able to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, while its 57.7 kWh LFP battery delivers a range of 516 km on the outdated NEDC cycle (around 440 km WLTP). Oddly, a 52 litre front boot is optional, joining a 320 litre rear boot.
Meanwhile, the AWD model pushes out 407 PS (299 kW) and 700 Nm, dropping the century sprint to just 3.9 seconds but also reducing the NEDC range to 466 km (circa 400 km WLTP). Both versions support up to 134 kW of DC fast charging and are able to top up the battery from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
For its part, Mitsubishi claims that the ASX VR-e will offer “sporty performance and responsive handling” thanks to extensive local testing and tuning by its global and regional teams. Over to you – do you believe the car will be a success in Australia, and would you like to see it in Malaysia, given that it’s been converted to right-hand drive? Let us know in the comments.
There were Dynamic and Premium variants at launch; now there’s also a Rp 199 million (RM46k) Standard variant. The Dynamic and Premium, which cost Rp 195 million (RM45k) and Rp 235 million (RM54k) at launch, now cost Rp 210 million (RM48k) and Rp 245 million (RM56k).
The Standard and Dynamic share a 30.08 kWh Blade LFP battery (300 km NEDC, about 250 km WLTP) that can be charged at 30 kW DC, while the Premium uses a 38.88 kWh unit (380 km NEDC, about 320 km WLTP) that can be charged at 40 kW DC. A 6.6 kW max AC rate, 2.2 kW vehicle-to-load (V2L), a 75 PS/135 Nm front motor, a 4.9-second 0-50 km/h (not 100 km/h) and a 130 km/h top speed are common to all.
Here’s what’s changed with CKD – there’s now a column gear selector (previously gear selection was done via a scroll barrel on the dash), the row of dash controls have been changed from barrel-style to simpler-looking buttons, the Premium gains a 12.8-inch touch-screen (used to be 10.1) and a 360 camera, the Dynamic and Premium get power-folding side mirrors, and there’s no more rear demister.
The new Standard variant gets halogen headlamps and 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. The other two variants get 16-inch alloys with 185/55 tyres, all-LED lighting, auto headlamps, a seven-inch instrument panel, four speakers, single-zone air-conditioning, TPMS, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, an electronic parking brake and conventional cruise control.
The boot holds 230 litres; the back seats can be folded for 930 litres. Unlike in Thailand, where the top Atto 1 variant gets AEB, ACC, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, and lane departure warning and prevention, the model gets no ADAS whatsoever in Indonesia.
Only the Premium gets six airbags (the Dynamic omits side airbags), a steering wheel that’s manually adjustable for rake and reach (only rake for the Dynamic), a six-way powered driver’s seat, wireless phone charging and an auto up/down driver’s window.
Indonesian buyers can have their BYD Atto 1 in Sprout Green, Cosmos Black or Apricity White, but no matter what, the interior is black and grey. Warranties? Six years/150,000 km for the vehicle, eight years/160,000 km for the battery and eight years/150,000 km for the drive unit.
Launched during the Yamaha GenBlu carnival in Setia Alam, Selangor, is the 2026 Yamaha XMax 300 Tech Max, priced at RM28,499 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Availability of the XNMax 300 in authorised Hong Long Yamaha Big Bike dealer showrooms in mid-August with bookings being taken now, and sold alongside the existing Yamaha XMax 250, priced at RM24,888.
Power for the XMax 300 Tech Max comes from a 292 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled SOHC Blue Core engine paired with an automatic CVT transmission. Power output is claimed to be 28 PS at 7,250 rpm with 28.9 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm, coming in an exclusive Crystal Graphite colour scheme with Tech Max-specific badging.
Electronic riding aids include keyless start, Yamaha’s Traction Control System (TCS), two-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). Riding information is displayed on a 4.2-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity via Yamaha’s Y-Connect application, supporting integrated Garmin navigation, allowing riders to access turn-by-turn directions, incoming calls, messages and music playback through the display.
The 300 Tech Max comes with a premium leather-style seat aimed at improving comfort on longer rides and faux suede covering on the front cowl storage covers, while the footboards receive aluminium footplates for a more upmarket finish. The underseat storage compartment remains large enough to accommodate up to two full-face helmets, depending on helmet size and shell design.
Suspension for the Tech Max 300 is done with telescopic forks in front with 110 mm suspension travel, and twin preload-adjustable shock absorbers in the rear with 79 mm of travel. Braking is with single hydraulic discs front and rear, with 267 mm diameter disc and two-piston calliper in front and 245 mm disc and single-piston calliper at the back.
Tyre sizing is 120/70-15 and 140/70-14, front and rear, respectively. Weighing in at 187 kg, the XMax 300 Tech Max carries 13-litres of fuel in the tank, while seat height is set at 795 mm, and LED lighting is used throughout, including the ‘X’ styled headlight.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-Door Coupé joins the GT 4-Door Coupé line-up to add a more affordable variant, reducing motor count to two (down from three motors of the GT63 and GT55) but retaining all-wheel-drive, while battery range has increased.
The dual-motor setup of the GT53 delivers a peak output of 544 PS and 800 Nm, or a maximum continuous output of 367 PS. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes a claimed 3.5 seconds with one-foot rollout (3.9 seconds without).
For comparison, this is 1.1 second longer than that achieved by the GT63, while top speed is 230 km/h or 250 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package; the GT63 also has higher top speed at 300 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
Electric architecture in the AMG GT53 is an 800-volt setup as on the GT63 and GT55, and similarly its battery is of the same 106 kWh capacity nett. Similarly, charging the GT53 can reach a peak of 600 kW DC, attaining a 10-80% state of charge in 11 minutes. Maximum range is 809 km on the WLTP standard, and a 10-minute charge adds a claimed 534 km (WLTP); as with the GT64 and GT55, AC charging tops out at 11 kW.
Where the GT63 simulates the sounds of the V8 engine from the AMG GT R through its AMGForce S+ sound mode, the GT53 mimics that of an AMG six-cylinder engine, thus also reflecting the positioning of the GT53 in the line-up.
Like on its more senior siblings, the GT53 gets AMG Ride Control air suspension with adaptive damping, variable through three modes; Comfort, Sport and Sport+. The GT53 also gets active aerodynamics, with a rear spoiler that varies its angle depending on speed, and an active rear diffuser extends to reduce drag and thus improve range at highway speeds.
Being a model variant, the interior architecture of the GT53 is shared with its siblings, and thus also features a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central infotainment screen. Here, the driver can configure the AMG Set-Up for various parameters to their preferences, along with the Aero Set-Up menu for finer control of the active aerodynamics.
Overall driving presets are offered through the AMG Drive Select with six modes; Comfort, Sport, AMGForce Sport+, Slippery, Eco and Individual. Also offered here is the ability to vary the vehicle’s sound characteristics, spanning a scale from Classic to Futuristic.
Customer deliveries of the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-Door Coupé begins this month, starting from 115,430 euros (RM543,848), the manufacturer stated. Meanwhile, right-hand-drive markets can be expected to receive customer units later this year, reported Autocar.
That makes it 44% more expensive than the regular RZ 500e that went on sale in Indonesia last November. For the extra, it gets the same powertrain as the RZ 550e F Sport that has two electric motors – one per axle – that are each rated at 227 PS (224 hp or 165 kW) and 269 Nm of torque.
However, the total system output is higher than the 550e at 426 PS (420 hp or 313 kW), although the 0-100 km/h time is the same at 4.4 seconds, as is the top speed of 180 km/h. Powering the whole setup is a 77-kWh battery, and the 600e also comes with steer-by-wire and Interactive Manual Drive (mimics an eight-speed auto, comes with shift paddles and simulated engine sounds) technologies.
For looks, the 600e sits 20 mm lower than the 550e, while its massive 20-inch brake discs and six-piston aluminium monoblock blue callipers hide behind 21-inch matte black alloy wheels from Enkei. Also unmissable are the carbon-finished bonnet, headlamp bezels, roof, dual rear wings, turning vanes and lower body mouldings. The body kit that adds to the presences comes in a black and Hakugin II (blue and white) colour scheme.
Given this is said to be the only unit in Indonesia, the doors were locked to limit access to the cabin. However, if you do manage to get into one, you’ll find F Sport Performance Ultrasuede 2 front sport seats in black with blue stitching, driver memory function and ventilation. The suede material is also applied to the door cards, while more black and blue accents can be found on the dashboard trim and front cupholders.
Puspakom has announced an undercarriage inspection system powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The vehicle inspection company says that it’s the first in Malaysia and among the first globally to harness AI in statutory commercial vehicle inspections.
Speed is the main benefit. Puspakom says that with AI, undercarriage inspections are a whopping 90% faster compared to a human-only effort.
“For example, reducing the time required for an AI-powered undercarriage inspection from 10 minutes to about one minute, a reduction of nearly 90% of the time gives a lorry driver approximately 10 additional minutes that can be spent on making deliveries, serving customers or simply getting home sooner. In an industry where time is money, this is invaluable,” said Puspakom CEO Mahmood Razak Bahman.
“At the same time, these efficiency gains allow us to inspect more vehicles each hour, increasing service capacity, reducing waiting times and contributing to a safer and more efficient transportation ecosystem for all Malaysians,” he added.
Developed in collaboration with Malaysian technology company Keymag, the AI system automates vehicle component and defect detection through intelligent image analysis. The system is capable of detecting defects such as corrosion, oil leaks, brake system faults, axle defects and structural damage with greater consistency while significantly improving inspection efficiency, Puspakom says.
Currently deployed on Puspaokom’s Mobile Truck Service for heavy commercial vehicles, the AI-powered undercarriage inspection system enables faster inspections ‘while maintaining the rigour and integrity of statutory vehicle inspections’.
Good as it is, humans are not being fully replaced by computers here. Final pass or fail decisions continue to be made solely by trained vehicle examiners, with the AI ‘serving as an intelligent decision-support tool that identifies potential anomalies for further verification’.
Efficiency aside, the AI system also provides digital inspection records that strengthen transparency and support objective verification should inspection findings be disputed, and this ensures every statutory inspection continues to meet the highest standards of safety, professionalism and regulatory compliance, Puspakom says.
Puspakom’s AI push does not end here, as the company is currently developing Astra, an above-carriage inspection solution, in collaboration with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). There will also be an AI-powered tyre inspection, and all these will be deployed in stages over the next 24 months.
smart may have preempted any leaks with the new #2 by revealing it in murals ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut on October 12, but these first images give us a first proper look at the reborn two-seater electric city car, billed as the successor to the seminal fortwo.
Photos in a filing with China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT), posted by Autohome, show a car that is exactly as those murals – exceedingly compact with a minimalist design in line with the brand’s SUV models. Styled by Mercedes-Benz as part of the now seven-year-old joint venture with Geely, it too has fluid surfacing and a contrasting baseball cap-esque floating roof, previewed by the Concept #2 in Beijing in April.
At the front, you’ll find teardrop-shaped headlights that flank a protruding “forehead” of sorts, sitting above a large body-coloured grille with perforated openings. Like its forebear (no, that’s not the name of another old smart model), there are frameless windows, but not only are the door handles not “hidden” like the old fortwo’s, they are also conventional pull-type units instead of being flush like, say, the updated #1.
The rear end is fairly simple, featuring round taillights, a tailgate-mounted number plate recess and a bumper-mounted reverse light. Interestingly, the rear windscreen appears to have a handle for it to be lifted separately from the tailgate. There’s no rear wiper (at least, not as standard), but there does seem to be a provision for it.
Looking at the list of options and accessories, the #2 will be offered with either 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps or 16-inch alloys with aero fairings, along with a choice of finishes for the roof and badging. There also looks to be a bodykit inspired by the one on the Concept #2, including even a monogram grille with fake leather “straps”.
Initial specs reveal that the #2 measures just 2,751 mm long, 1,669 mm wide and 1,555 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 1,875 mm long. That means this entire car is one millimetre away from fitting within the wheelbase of smart’s next smallest model, the #1. It’s also uncommonly light for an EV, at 1,130 kg.
Click to enlarge
While the interior hasn’t been shown yet, smart has confirmed that the #2 will feature an S-shaped dashboard akin to the original fortwo, plus a “bench seat” that incorporates covered storage and the window controls in the centre.
The company has also revealed initial specifications – the #2 will be built on a bespoke scalable Electric Compact Architecture (ECA) and feature a redeveloped tridion cell for improved crash safety. Under the floor lies a 35.7 kWh battery that is targeted to achieve a WLTP-rated range of around 300 km.
smart claims the #2 can be DC fast charged from 10 to 80% in under 20 minutes, and it also touts a turning circle of just 6.95 metres curb to curb for the 2,792 mm long vehicle. With the brand being represented in Malaysia by Proton subsidiary Pro-Net, could we see this car here as an alternative to the five-door Proton eMas 5?
The Penang state government has issued an order to suspend the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system used for issuing parking compounds. According to chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, the decision was made after the state government took into account public feedback and views regarding the implementation of the system.
“The state government will instruct both local authorities, Penang island city council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai city council (MBSP) to immediately suspend the implementation of ANPR and review its details,” he said in a post on Facebook.
He said that the matter was discussed during a meeting with Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim and deputy chairman Zairil Khir Johari. “What is important is that we listen to the people’s voices, review what is necessary to ensure that every policy implemented truly takes into account the interests of the people of Penang,” he added.
Last Friday, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said that since the use of the ANPR system was implemented by MBPP in April last year, an average of about 7,000 parking offence compounds had been issued every month.
He said that the vehicles fitted with the ANPR system had enabled MBPP to detect parking offences more accurately compared with manual inspection methods, showing that the technology had helped improve the efficiency of parking enforcement, Bernama reports.
The ANPR system cross-checks number plates with the road transport department (JPJ) database. If a vehicle is found to be parked illegally or without payment, a compound fine notice is issued on the spot, with the owner’s details pulled directly from JPJ records.
He said that council tests showed that a one-minute grace period was sufficient for motorists to open the Penang Smart Parking app and complete payment, adding that motorists were required to pay as soon as their vehicles were parked in designated bays, even if they remained inside with the engine running. This of course had caused unease and concern among Penang residents.
A long time coming but the 2026 Yamaha XSR155 has finally been launched in Malaysia, bringing the retro-styled naked motorcycle to the local market at RM12,998, excluding road tax, insurance and registration. The XSR155 is offered in three colour options – Malar Green, Classic Silver and Royale Black – with availability through its authorised dealers from the fourth quarter of this year.
Power comes from a 155 cc single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine featuring Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). The engine produces 18.9 hp at 10,000 rpm and 14.4 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm, with drive sent through a six-speed gearbox equipped with an assist-and-slipper clutch.
The engine is housed in a Deltabox frame, while suspension consists of an upside-down (USD) fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. The XSR155 rides on 17-inch aluminium wheels, fitted with 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both ends, with dual-channel ABS fitted as standard.
Unlike Yamaha’s conventional underbone models, the XSR155 features a conventional motorcycle-style fuel tank mounted ahead of the rider, with a capacity of 10 litres. Kerb weight is rated at 137 kg while seat height is 810 mm.
Adding to its retro-modern styling, the latest XSR155 comes with LED lighting at both ends, while the instrumentation takes the form of a round digital LCD display that complements the motorcycle’s classic design. The ZSR155 is sold alongside Hong Long Yamaha current 155 cc motorcycle, the Yamaha MT-15, which is priced at RM12,498.
The Kelantan road transport department (JPJ) has seized two rental cars, a tourist rental car, a private car owned by a company, a private van owned by a company and an excursion bus in a crackdown on the misuse of private vehicles as paid transport without a permit, carried out July 27-28 and Aug 4, Bernama reports.
“This special operation was carried out following public complaints as well as the results of enforcement monitoring and intelligence. Among the offences detected were the use of private vehicles to carry tourists from airports, terminals, jetties and other locations to tourist destinations for a fee,” state JPJ director Mohd Misuari Abdullah said.
“The misuse of vehicle registration categories not only violates the law but can also compromise passenger safety, insurance coverage and consumer rights, besides creating unfair competition for taxi, e-hailing and tourist transport operators who operate legally,” he added.
At this year’s Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) announced the start of order taking for the Honda HR-V Mugen. The Mugen edition is priced at 579 million rupiah (about RM133), making it around 18.4% more expensive than the RS e:HEV variant it is based on.
Available only with a Platinum White Montone exterior, the HR-V Mugen justifies its premium with a comprehensive accessory package that includes front and rear under spoilers, side skirts, a rear spoiler, carbon-fibre side mirror caps as well as Mugen side decals and tailgate emblem.
There’s also Mugen’s RS Sport silencer at the back, accompanied by branded door visors and other emblems in black that identify the brand, model and e:HEV powertrain. As for the interior, there are Mugen floor mats and both front and rear door sills get Mugen scuff plates.
According to a report by Kompas, the HR-V Mugen will have a waiting period of around two months from the time an order is placed. It won’t be limited in terms of units offered, with HPM’s sales and marketing director, Yusak Billy, revealing four orders have been received as of last week on August 4.
No changes to the hybrid powertrain, which continues to feature a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated inline-four petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle to deliver 106 PS and 127 Nm of torque. This can be clutched into the directly drive the wheels via an E-CVT, but the engine mostly acts as a generator for a battery that powers an electric motor rated at 131 PS and 253 Nm.
The Proton e.MAS 5 has quickly become the reference point for affordable battery-electric cars in Malaysia. However, it does have what you might consider alternatives present in this market. But who are the rivals and how have they been doing compared to the Proton hatchback? And should you consider any of them if your intention is to buy something different from what everyone else is getting?
Here’s a few EVs that you might consider as rivals to the Proton – BYD‘s Atto 2, the TQ Wuling Bingo brought in by Tan Chong, Perodua‘s QV-E and the Dongfeng Box. Here is how the whole group has been doing through the first seven months of 2026.
The first chart makes the pecking order plain. The eMas 5 pretty much sits is in a class of its own in terms of sales figures. Take the eMas 5 out in the second chart you see above, and the rivals’ own contest comes into focus.
Dongfeng Box
The Dongfeng Box brings up the rear but is still growing month on month. The cutesy hatchback was actually the earliest of this group to market, launched back in November 2024 at RM100,700 to RM113,700 with a 95 PS motor and up to 430 km of CLTC range from its 42.3 kWh battery – pricing that made it a tough sell against similarly-priced, larger rivals.
Dongfeng has since responded the pragmatic way: a RM30,000 promotional discount on limited units brings the Box down to around RM70,000, which transforms the value equation – practical touches like auto parking assist, a 540-degree camera and a ventilated driver’s seat suddenly look generous at that money. At the discounted price, the Box is a pretty interesting left-field pick.
TQ Wuling Bingo
The TQ Wuling Bingo has been the steadiest of the bunch and sits second on 563 units year to date. The little city EV holds a notable distinction – it’s the first EV to be locally assembled by Tan Chong, with CKD production starting at TCMA Segambut in January and the first customer cars delivered in March. Two variants are offered: the Pro with a 31.9 kWh battery (333 km CLTC) and the Max with 37.9 kWh (410 km CLTC), both driven by a modest 68 PS front motor.
List prices are RM67,800 and RM72,800, but a launch package for the first 400 cars knocks RM5,000 off – RM62,800 for the Pro and RM67,800 for the Max – and bundles a 7 kW wallbox. That undercuts the e.MAS 5 range, and the retro-cute styling has its fans. The trade-offs are a leisurely pace, DC charging capped at just 50 kW, and no proper ADAS.
BYD Atto 2
The BYD Atto 2 has pulled clear of the group since spring, climbing to 212 units in July and 875 for the year so far. It’s not hard to see why it leads the chasing pack – the badge helps, as BYD has been Malaysia’s best-selling EV brand, and the Atto 2 is the most conventional “proper car” of the four, a compact SUV that slots between the Dolphin and Atto 3. Launched in July 2025 in a single Premium variant at RM100,000, it packs a 51.13 kWh Blade battery for 345-350 km of WLTP range – the biggest battery in this group bar the QV-E.
The catch is that RM100,000 price, which is eMas 7 territory rather than eMas 5 money. Of course, the RM100k RRP is not so important in a world where pre-reg and used direct owner and demo cars exist. A quick check on classifieds reveals the Atto 2 listed from RM89k from dealers, and around RM77k from direct owners.
Another alternative is the BYD Dolphin, which is a hatchback instead of an SUV. This one isn’t on sale in Malaysia anymore, but used units are still available from RM62k up to RM75k.
The Proton eMas 5’s true rival from BYD is the BYD Seagull (also called Atto 1 or Dolphin mini), sold as the Atto 1 in Thailand and Indonesia but it never quite made it here to Malaysia.
Perodua QV-E
The Perodua QV-E is the fastest climber, going from a single unit in February to 109 in July as supply builds. Malaysia’s first homegrown EV has had an eventful 2026: a localisation push let Perodua cut prices substantially in June, and with the current RM6,500 rebate (running until September 30), the hatchback is yours for RM63,499 with the RM215/month Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) lease, or RM87,499 to own car and battery outright. Its 52.5 kWh LFP pack – the largest here – delivers 370 km WLTP and a healthy 204 PS.
On paper, then, it’s the closest thing to a direct e.MAS 5 fight: national badge, similar money, more power. The BaaS model is the wildcard – RM215 a month for nine years suits buyers who want battery peace of mind (unlimited mileage, 70% state-of-health guaranteed), but it complicates comparisons with a conventional purchase. Our recent full Malaysian review covers the good and the bad – and with Perodua pushing for volume as localisation completes, expect that sales climb to continue.
JPJ has announced that RBF and VRN are the next number plate series to go up for bidding on its online auction platform, JPJ eBid.
Perlis’ latest running number series is ‘RBF’, and it will open for tender on August 20. The bidding period on JPJeBid is five days, ending 10pm on August 24. As usual, the results will be out the following day. The whole process is online now, as it has been for some time, and bidders will get the good (or bad) news via email.
Also available on JPJ eBid is the WP Kuala Lumpur series ‘VRN’. The bidding period started on August 13, and will close at 10pm tonight, August 17. Results will be out the day after the auction closes.
New car coming soon and want a nice number plate for the new ride? Why not DIY and skip the reseller’s markup and runner fees? If you have never bid for a number yourself, check out our step-by-step guide on how to navigate JPJ eBid and the techniques needed to get your preferred number at “retail price”.
Now in Malaysia is the Yamaha Y16ZR-R, priced at RM10,888 excluding road tax, insurance and registration. Less than a month after its debut in Vietnam, where it is known as the Exciter 155 VVA, the Y16ZR-R comes with significant updates since the model introduction in 2020.
Among the redesigned items are the body panels and a new LED headlight claimed to provide brighter and more uniform illumination. Three colour options are offered – Kouka Grey, Raijin Green and Yoru Black – and a two-year or 20,000 km warranty is provided against manufacturing defects.
Power comes from a revised 155 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine with Yamaha’s Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) system. Compression ratio has been increased to 11.6:1, raising maximum output to 18.5 hp at 9,500 rpm, up from 17.7 hp previously. Peak torque remains at 14.4 Nm, delivered at 8,500 rpm.
The engine is paired with a six-speed transmission and slip-and-assist clutch. Final drive gearing has also been revised, with the motorcycle now using a 14/48-tooth sprocket combination. Yamaha says the new gearing is designed to provide quicker acceleration, particularly at higher speeds.
Intake noise has also been tuned using a a specially shaped airbox and dedicated openings designed to channel intake noise towards the rider for a more engaging riding experience. Standard equipment is single-channel ABS for the front wheel as well as traction control, marking the first application of traction control on a Yamaha underbone motorcycle.
Riding information is shown on a redesigned digital LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity to Yamaha’s new Y-On application. Similar to Y-Connect, the system provides access to message and call notifications, maintenance information, riding-route data, fuel consumption information and the motorcycle’s last recorded location.
Suspension and braking is done with a 267 mm front disc with a two-piston caliper and telescopic fork, while the rear uses a 267 mm disc with a single-piston caliper and Kayaba monoshock. The Y16ZR-R rides on 17-inch wheels, fitted with 90/80 front and 120/70 rear tyres.
Priced at RM2,500 above the Standard version, the Y16ZR-R Pramac Racing Replica is limited to just 3,000 units. In addition to its distinctive Pramac Racing-inspired livery, the Limited Edition receives a premium Ohlins adjustable rear monoshock, giving buyers upgraded suspension hardware alongside the exclusive styling, with other specifications staying the same.
Proton has done it. According to the latest data from the road transport department (JPJ) for the month ending July 2026, a total of 2,928 Proton EVs were registered last month, and with it the national brand’s year-to-date (YTD) tally reaches 16,458 units, which means it has now overtaken the best full-year EV result any brand has ever recorded in Malaysia, with five months of 2026 still to go.
For context, BYD‘s championship-winning total for the whole of 2025 was 14,407 units. Proton has beaten that in seven months, powered by the eMas 5 and eMas 7, and looks set to comfortably clear 25,000 units by year-end.
BYD itself remains a clear second with 1,226 units in July (6,901 YTD), followed by Tesla in third with 605 units (2,567 YTD) as its quarter-end surge unwinds, and Zeekr in fourth with 476 units (2,562 YTD).
The big climber is iCaur, which rises to fifth with 449 units (3,022 YTD), overtaking Leapmotor, now sixth with 337 units (1,293 YTD). Perodua is seventh as it continues to ramp up the QV-E with 109 units (318 YTD), just ahead of MG in eighth with 107 units (946 YTD) and TQ Wuling ninth with 102 units (563 YTD).
In 10th is BMW with 79 units (455 YTD), followed by Dongfeng in 11th with 77 units (334 YTD) and Xpeng in 12th with 72 units (826 YTD). Great Wall Motor is 13th with 68 units (371 YTD) and Denza 14th with 64 units (281 YTD).
The remaining six brands in the top 20 are MINI in 15th with 54 units (361 YTD), Porsche 16th with 44 units (163 YTD), Honda 17th with 33 units (127 YTD), smart 18th with 28 units (180 YTD), Volvo 19th with 27 units (384 YTD) and Neta 20th with 12 units (102 YTD). Neta’s dozen was split between the X crossover with seven units and the smaller V hatchback with five. Chery finished level with Neta on 12 units in July but missed the top 20 on a lower year-to-date tally (88 versus 102).
In total, 6,937 EVs were registered in July, up 11.6% from June’s 6,215 units and the strongest EV month of the year so far. You can explore the full month-by-month and YTD breakdowns, by brand, model, body type and fuel, on our car sales data tool.
The road transport department (JPJ) has released its latest vehicle registration data for the month ending July 2026, and Perodua is once again on top. The national carmaker registered 31,842 units last month, up 15.7% from June and its second-biggest month of the year, bringing its year-to-date (YTD) total to 190,137 units.
Proton holds second place with 17,018 units, up 10.2% on the month, for a YTD tally of 115,028 units. Toyota stays third and posted its best month of the year with 11,822 units, up 21.8% on June (this figure also includes recon units), for a YTD total of 62,413 units.
Outside the top three is Honda in fourth with 5,369 units (32,918 YTD), followed by Omoda | Jaecoo in fifth with 1,309 units (9,119 YTD), holding steady as the leading Chinese brand.
The chasing pack tightened considerably in July. BYD climbed to sixth with 1,226 units (6,901 YTD), just ahead of Jetour in seventh with 1,216 units (6,264 YTD), which continues its strong run. Mazda slips to eighth with 1,027 units (7,030 YTD), while Mitsubishi is ninth with 1,012 units (7,779 YTD) and Chery 10th with 831 units (6,422 YTD). Just four units separate sixth from seventh, and barely 400 units covers sixth through tenth.
Great Wall Motor takes 11th with 747 units (3,913 YTD), followed by Lexus in 12th with 656 units (3,731 YTD). Tesla, boosted by its June quarter-end push, dropped back to 13th with 605 units (2,567 YTD) now that the delivery surge has passed. Mercedes-Benz is 14th with 579 units (4,499 YTD), BMW 15th with 518 units (3,509 YTD) and Zeekr 16th with 476 units (2,562 YTD).
As for the remaining four brands in the top 20, iCaur climbed to 17th with 449 units (3,022 YTD), followed by Nissan in 18th with 426 units (2,652 YTD), Isuzu 19th with 423 units (2,809 YTD) and Leapmotor 20th with 337 units (1,293 YTD).
Overall, the market kept climbing in July, with total new-vehicle registrations of 80,030 units, up 9.7% from June’s 72,943 units. You can explore the full month-by-month and YTD breakdowns, by brand, model, body type and fuel, on our car sales data tool.
The Proton eMas 5 is not just Malaysia’s best-selling EV, it is now pulling clear of the field entirely. According to the latest EV registration data from the road transport department (JPJ) for July 2026, 2,402 units of the eMas 5 were registered last month, its best month yet and enough to make it the sixth best-selling vehicle in the country overall, EVs and combustion cars combined.
That is nearly five times the tally of the second-placed EV. The BYD Atto 3 takes second with 531 units as deliveries of the updated model continue, edging out Proton’s other electric model, the eMas 7, which is third with 526 units. The Tesla Model Y is fourth with 470 units and the Zeekr 7X fifth with 416 units.
The big mover of the month is iCaur, which puts two models in the top 10. The iCaur V23 climbs to sixth with 258 units, its best month yet, while the iCaur 03 is 10th with 191 units. In between, BYD again fields several models: the Sealion is seventh with 251 units and the Atto 2 ninth with 212 units, split by the Leapmotor B10 in eighth on 230 units.
The Tesla Model 3 is 11th with 135 units, while the BYD M6 and the Perodua QV-E are tied on 109 units in 12th and 13th, the QV-E’s best showing yet. The Leapmotor C10 (14th, 107 units), TQ Wuling Bingo (15th, 102) and MG S5 (16th, 94) fill out the middle order.
Completing the top 20 are the BYD Seal 6 in 17th (92 units), the Great Wall Ora 18th (68), the Dongfeng Box E3 19th (66) and the Xpeng X9 20th (47). In total, 6,937 EVs were registered in July, up 11.6% from June’s 6,215 units and the strongest EV month of the year so far. You can explore the full month-by-month and YTD breakdowns, by model, brand and fuel, on our car sales data tool.
