13-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
High-octane autoshow week
A week of high-octane launches, smart mobility showcases, family activities and special industry days kicked off on Thursday as the nation's premier motor show returns to MAEPS Serdang till May 15.
Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025) is set to deliver the nation's most immersive automotive experience yet, featuring over 50 car and motorcycle brands and more than 50 new vehicle launches.
From cutting-edge electric mobility to visionary concept designs, MAS 2025 promises something for every auto enthusiast and family.
One of its standout attractions is the 5km test track, where visitors can experience over 50 vehicles first hand.
Designed with simulated corners, gradients and ADAS sensor challenges, it offers a dynamic evaluation ground for modern automotive technology.
Adding excitement are curated zones such as the car modified showcase and motorsport showcase, car and bike gatherings, and the unique AutoFashion show.
Special programmes include a Women's Day for female motorists and an automotive education and career day to inspire the next generation of automotive professionals.
National Showcases
MAS 2025 serves as a national stage for Malaysia's homegrown carmakers to showcase their transition to electric mobility.
During the press day on Thursday, Perodua - the country's largest car company by sales and market share - showed the 'almost' production-ready version of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV).
Perodua teased the EV prototype in a half-cut form. The updated display is the final episode to the carmaker's EV journey, highlighting the interior as well as inner workings of the prototype.
Visitors can have a brief experience of a simulated drive of this prototype at MAS 2025.
"Our display highlights our Malaysia's capabilities in adopting assimilate EV technologies as our own," said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Perodua also showcased two other displays: the X06E and an initiative with Emerald Horizon.
The X06E is a collaboration between Perodua and Politeknik Muadzam Shah to develop its own HEV/BEV working prototype.
The parctnership with Emerald Horizon, an Austrian-based company, is to develop an alternative energy source with the use of thorium, which is a rare earth element.
Proton previewed its second EV model, the
It is a five-door hatchback based on Geely Geome Xingyuan platform, and is targetted for launch later this year.
Proton's booth also features the brand's best-selling models, such as the popular X50, X70, X90 MHEV and the top-selling C-segment sedan, the S70.
Strong Chinese Contingent
Chery and its sub-brands such as Omoda and Jaecoo are taking up acres of space at MAEPS to display their current and new offerings.
Chery pulled the wraps off its newest compact SUV, the Tiggo Cross.
Earlier previewed as the Tiggo 4 in its home market, the SUV has been rebranded as Tiggo Cross for the Malaysian market.
Bookings for the B-segment Tiggo Cross are now underway with guaranteed delivery by August for the first 500 customers.
The Chery stand also saw the preview of Tiggo 7 CSH as part of the launch of the Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) brand.
Tiggo 7 CSH brings the Super Hybrid System plug-in hybrid powertrain from the Jaecoo J7 PHEV to the mother brand's stable.
Chery's sub-brand iCAUR, meanwhile, made its official Malaysian debut at MAS 2025 on Thursday.
Malaysia becomes the first Asean market to introduce iCAUR, a brand borne from a strong collaboration between Chery and SmartMi Tech following its global launch at Auto Shanghai 2025 last month.
Positioning itself as a dedicated off-road new energy vehicle brand, iCAUR previewed three fully electric SUVs - the 03, 03T and V23 - ahead of their official launches.
The iCAUR 03 is leading the charge as the first model slated to go on sale in the third quarter of this year.
Jaecoo marked its first anniversary in Malaysia at MAS 2025 with a refreshed brand image and is hereafter known as Omoda/Jaecoo.
"Together with our sleek and high-performing vehicles, we are passionate about delivering a personalised lifestyle experience as Malaysia's challenger premium off-road SUV brand," said Omoda/Jaecoo vice president Emily Lek at the unveiling.
Omoda/Jaecoo teased the market with a sneak peek of Omoda C7 Neo Crossover. The C7 is expected to shake up the C-segment crossover segment here.
The brand's notable milestones include growing a respectable demand of over 12,000 registrations for its premium off-road internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid SUVs.
It has also established a strategic network of 45 authorised dealerships nationwide to support its growing customer base.
On the international stage, the Omoda/Jaecoo brand has built a presence in 42 countries and regions, established over 1,300 global showrooms and garnered a remarkable 500,000 global users.
The autoshow also saw the local debut of Zeekr 7X, a premium D-segment SUV built on Geely's cutting-edge 800V SEA platform.
Poised to challenge premium rivals like the Porsche Macan EV and BMW iX2, the Zeekr 7X combines performance, luxury and tech innovation.
At Jetour booth, the company officially launched Jetour VT9, joining the growing list of three-row SUVs aimed at large families and urban adventurers.
Positioned above the five-seater Jetour Dashing, the VT9 is a D-segment, seven-seater SUV that will take on established players like Proton X90 and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro.
GWM Malaysia used MAS 2025 as the launchpad for GWM Tank 500.
The company said Tank 500 HEV marks a bold step forward in redefining the premium off-road SUV segment in Malaysia, combining luxury, advanced hybrid technology and exceptional all-terrain capability.
Also taking centre stage during the media day was the exclusive preview of the smart #5, alongside the official opening of bookings for the exclusive smart #1 Brabus limited edition.
The smart #5 marks a significant milestone for the brand, entering the premium mid-size electric SUV segment.
