Weekly wrap-up: Perodua secures 2nd spot in ASEAN market, New Proton EV plant construction begins, Jaecoo J7 PHEV launching soon, and more

The previous seven days were quite busy in the world of automobiles. It began with the confirmation of the Jaecoo J7 PHEV February launch, followed by big updates like Perodua becoming the second-largest carmaker in the ASEAN region and Proton beginning construction of its new facility for producing NEVs. In the meantime, the global automotive industry also enjoyed several noteworthy reveals and updates about upcoming models. 

In case you missed out on any of that, we have got you covered with this quick recap of important auto news of the week. So, let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Jaecoo J7 PHEV launch imminent

First previewed at Malaysia Autoshow 2024, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV is finally ready to launch in Malaysia this month. It is the plug-in hybrid version of the popular Jaecoo J7 and comes equipped with a super hybrid system, comprising the fifth-gen 1.5TGDI dedicated hybrid mill, a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor, a high-performance 18.3kW battery pack sourced from BYD and a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. The electrified SUV recently showcased its impressive performance in the rigorous endurance test, covering up to 1,427 km on a single tank and charge.

Perodua grabs second position in ASEAN sales charts

The undisputed king of the local automotive arena, Perodua, is also doing pretty well when it comes to the whole ASEAN region. After grabbing third position in 2023, the Malaysian automaker climbed to the third spot this year with a total sales of 358k units (a year-on-year growth of 8.4%). Perodua has overtaken Honda, which sold 303,000 units last year, and placed itself well ahead of Proton, which is in fifth place with 148k units sold.

Proton begins construction of new EV plant in Tanjung Malim

After introducing the first-ever EV late last year, Proton is now geared up to enhance its NEV (new-energy vehicle) lineup. The national automaker has begun constructing a new EV plant in Tanjung Malim to produce a wide range of EVs based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform (including the e.MAS 7) for domestic as well as export markets. The first phase of the production facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with an investment cost of RM 82 million. The plant will have an annual capacity of producing 20,000 EVs.

Omoda C9 deliveries begin 

Jaceoo Malaysia has commenced deliveries of the Omoda C9, which was launched in December 2024. The first batch of 500 units has made its way to all authorised Jaecoo dealerships across the country. It is a D-segment SUV offered in two variants - 2WD and AWD- priced at RM 168,800 and RM 188,800, respectively. Both trims are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged, inline-four engine generating 257 hp of maximum power and 400 Nm of peak torque. The Omoda C9 is locally assembled at Chery’s plant in Shah Alam.

2025 Yamaha 135LC Fi gets a colour upgrade

Hong Leong Yamaha has upgraded the colour palette of the 135LC Fi in Malaysia. The standard version is now available in Aqua Blue, Sandstorm, and Moss Green options while the SE exclusively comes in Red Titan shade. The Yamaha 135LC Fi continues to get power from a 135-cc Euro 4 compliant single-cylinder engine producing 12.4 hp at 8,000 rpm and 12.2 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The price begins at RM 8,298 and goes up to RM 8,798, excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

Volvo Car Malaysia releases 2024 sales report

Volvo Car Malaysia sold a total of 1,953 cars in 2024, which represents a year-on-year decline of 27.5%. The proportion of pure EVs and PHEVs in the brand’s total sales accounted for 83%, marking an improvement of 71% compared to 2023. The automaker currently retails three pure electric cars in Malaysia viz. XC40 Recharge, C40 Recharge, and EX30, and it has plans to add the EX90 later this year. 

New Ford service centres open in East Malaysia 

Ford’s exclusive distribution partner in Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), has opened two new service centres in East Malaysia. With an aim to fulfill the increasing demand for quality service in the region, the new facilities are located in Kapit and Mukah. The company has also upgraded the Ford Ngu Brothers showroom located in Sibu, Sarawak. The refreshed facility spans 6,135 sq ft with enough space for vehicle display and customer lounges and offers enhanced facilities to customers. SDAC now has a total of 11 dealers across the states of Sabah and Sarawak. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Volkswagen to bring entry-level EV in 2027

Volkswagen is working on a new entry-level electric car, which will be positioned below the ID.2all hatchback. The automaker released the first teaser of the EV this week, revealing its raised and rugged, crossover-like design. Likely to be called ID.One or ID.1, the upcoming Volkswagen EV will be based on the MEB platform. It will be one of nine new models the brand has planned to launch by 2027.

Nissan-Honda merger likely to get cancelled

As reported by Japan’s news agencies, Nissan is set to pull the plug on its merger deal with Honda. The two automakers signed a memorandum of understanding to begin discussions on a potential merger, last December. However, they failed to reach a consensus on financial-related terms as Honda proposed the idea of making Nissan its subsidiary, which is highly opposed by Nissan, according to reports. However, any official confirmation has yet to come.

Ferrari EV debut date announced

The first-ever Ferrari EV is set to make its global debut on October 9, 2025. While announcing this major news, the company's CEO Benedetto Vigna confirmed that the EV would be introduced in a “unique and innovative way.” It will be a part of the six new models the sports car manufacturer aims to introduce this year. Starting next year, the production of the first battery-operated Ferrari car will be held at the automaker’s new E-building in Italy.

5-door Suzuki Jimny bags 50k bookings in Japan

The 5-door Suzuki Jimny (also known as Jimny Nomade) has caused a major disruption in the Japanese market. Within just one week of its launch, the SUV bagged approximately 50,000 bookings. As a result, the automaker has temporarily halted taking new bookings. Notably, the monthly production of the rugged off-roader is capped at 1200 units, which means the automaker will take three and a half years to complete the accumulated orders. Among the reasons behind this massive demand are -

• Longer wheelbase and an extra set of doors, making the vehicle more practical and versatile than the 3-door model.
• Additional length of 340 mm, offering an increased cabin space, and additional legroom and luggage room in the rear.
• Impressive 210 mm of ground clearance with a generous departure angle, ramp break-over angle and approach angle. 
• Advanced driver-assistance systems.

 Kia Syros compact SUV launched in India

Kia’s new compact SUV, the Syros, has made its way to the Indian market with pricing starting at INR 9,00,000 (approx RM 46k). Featuring a design inspired by the brand’s recent models, the Syros blends bold aesthetics with functional versatility. The interior design is reminiscent of the Kia EV3 and boasts an inviting and airy environment with a bucketload of creature comforts. The major highlight is a 30-inch ‘Trinity Panoramic Display’, including a 12.3-inch infotainment unit, a 12-inch digital driver display and cluster, and a 5-inch touchscreen for AC controls. Kia offers the new Syros in two engine options - 

Engine	1-litre turbo-petrol	1.5-litre diesel
Max power	120 PS	116 PS
Max torque	172 Nm	250 Nm
Transmission	6-speed MT, 7-speed DCT	6-speed MT, 6-speed AT

Volvo EX30 Cross Country global debut this month

The adventure-ready version of the Volvo EX30 is set to make its world premiere on Feb 10, 2025. The upcoming Volvo EV was shown in the concept form during the EX30’s global debut in 2023. In the prototype form, the car featured several rugged elements such as off-road tyres, black plastic wheel arch trims, and matte black finish on bumpers along with a roof rack incorporating a spare tyre. While no technical details are yet confirmed, the off-road-ready Volvo EX30 is likely to get the same powertrain and battery packs as the standard model.

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid revealed globally

Subaru has pulled the wraps off the all-new Forester Hybrid in the global market. The electrified Japanese SUV features a 2.5-litre boxer engine mated to an eclectic motor, combinedly producing a maximum power of 194 hp. Also part of the setup is a small 1.1-kWh battery pack, which offers a limited all-electric drive but improves fuel efficiency. Other key highlights include - the Subaru AWD setup, a 12.3-inch driver display, an 11.6-inch infotainment unit, and Subaru’s Eyesight ADAS suite. The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid price starts at USD 36,415 (approx RM 161,696).

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Breaking down Malaysia’s automotive trends: Top cars, brands, and EVs