Malaysia Auto Opinions & Analysis

Toyota is preparing to expand its electrified line-up in China with a new type of vehicle. According to multiple media reports, the Japanese carmaker plans to develop and produce extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) in China, with production scheduled to begin in April 2027.

The global car industry is facing a very different set of challenges. Geopolitical tensions, tariffs, supply-chain changes and increasingly fierce competition in China are all putting pressure on traditional global carmakers. For established luxury brands, the old model of developing one global product and selling it everywhere is becoming harder to maintain.

As the global automotive industry moves deeper into the age of artificial intelligence, Hyundai Motor Group has outlined its latest autonomous-driving plans at an HMG Autonomous Driving Media Day in South Korea.

In the first half of 2026 (H1 2026), Vietnam recorded approximately 116,000 battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales, giving EVs a 35.3% share of the market. The figure puts Vietnam ahead of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, making it the largest EV market in Southeast Asia.

In July 2026, an unprecedented name surfaced on the Malaysian automotive sales charts.

On 1 July 2026, Malaysia officially implemented new import regulations for electric vehicles (EVs).

In the first half of 2026, Malaysia's MPV market contracted by 11%, with total sales dropping from around 34,000 units in the same period last year to 30,182 units. Meanwhile, SUV sales surged by 19% to reach 118,837 units.

With Mitsubishi Motors officially announcing the launch and local production of the Xforce HEV in Indonesia, this highly anticipated B-segment hybrid crossover SUV is once again in the ASEAN automotive spotlight. Over the past year or so, from its debut in Thailand to its localised production in Indonesia, Mitsubishi’s electrification push in Southeast Asia has noticeably gathered pace.

When mentioning the Toyota Aqua, many seasoned Malaysian drivers might still recall its 2012 arrival in Malaysia under the name Prius C.

In Toyota's automotive landscape, the debut of the GR GT is regarded as the ultimate expression of "Morizo" (Akio Toyoda)'s passion for driving.