Weekly wrap-up: Jaecoo J5 EV previewed, New Ford Ranger lineup teased in Malaysia, Bentley Torcal EV global debut confirmed, and more

The past week continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry with Jaecoo previewing the J5 EV, Chery launching its Gempak Bola roadshow, and Ford teasing the new Ranger lineup. In the meantime, the global platform also witnessed several big unveilings and snippets about upcoming models. Here, we bring a quick recap of all the top auto news that stole the spotlight during the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Jaecoo J5 EV previewed in Malaysia ahead of launch

OMODA | JAECOO is set to launch the battery-electric version of the J5 SUV in Malaysia soon. Ahead of that, the automaker gave us a detailed preview of the upcoming EV at the Oh My Meow Expo 2026. Just like the ICE-powered J5, the electric model will retain the same pet-friendly appeal, and to illustrate that, the brand decked up the EV with cat whiskers, ears, and a tail. The Jaecoo J5 EV will be offered as a locally assembled model, powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 211 PS and 288 Nm of torque. It will come mated to a 58.9 kWh CATL LFP battery pack, offering a driving range of 402 km (on the WLTP cycle).

New Ford Ranger lineup teased in Malaysia 

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford dropped an intriguing teaser on its social media handle this week, featuring a darkened image of three Ford Ranger models. While the company has yet to reveal any details, the teaser indicates that an updated Ranger lineup is on its way to Malaysia.  As per the market reports, the Ford Ranger Platinum, powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, is likely to be a part of the refreshed lineup.

Hyundai celebrates its first anniversary in Malaysia with an exciting sales promo

Hyundai took full control of its brand presence in the local market and established Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) in 2025. HMY is now celebrating its first anniversary with an exciting sales campaign, offering limited-time rebates, free services & fuel subsidies on the purchase of the selected Santa Fe, Staria, and Tucson models. The promo will run from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Besides that, HMY has also announced the "Durian Runtuh Berganda-ganda!" rewards campaign, providing a chance to drive away its upcoming MPV, the Stargazer. 

Chery brings the Robert Lewandowski campaign to Malaysia 

Chery Malaysia has launched its Gempak Bola roadshow at Sunway Pyramid's Orange Concourse, running from July 8 to 12, in conjunction with the brand’s global partnership with famous football player Robert Lewandowski. During the event, visitors can check out Chery’s latest range of vehicles, and those who book any Chery model will get an exclusive Chery x Robert Lewandowski jersey t-shirt.

UMW Toyota reveals Q2 sales report

UMW Toyota has announced its sales results for the second quarter of 2026. Between April and June 2026, the Japanese automaker sold more than 20,800 vehicles in Malaysia, bringing its year-to-date sales tally to over 36,200 units. In June 2026 alone, the company delivered 7,300 units. The brand’s steady growth reflects customers’ growing confidence across Toyota's core model range, supported by new electrified models.

Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD discontinued in Malaysia 

Tesla has quietly dropped the Premium Long Range AWD variant of the Model Y electric SUV from its Malaysian configurator. This means the EV is now available in three trims -  Premium RWD, Premium Long Range RWD and Premium AWD, priced between RM 195,450 and RM 260,000. The discontinuation of the Premium Long Range AWD trim has sparked speculation that the EV giant might introduce Model Y Performance in Malaysia. 

Omoda | Jaecoo opens a new 3S centre in Malaysia

Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia has opened a new 3S centre in Selayang, operated by Carro Digital Sdn Bhd. Expanding the brand’s reach to customers in Selayang, Batu Caves, Templer, Rawang and the surrounding areas, the new facility features a spacious and comfortable showroom and a well-equipped service centre that houses six service bays, with a monthly servicing capacity of up to 624 vehicles. It is located at 17498, Jalan Besar, Kawasan Industri Selayang Indah, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor.

Perodua QV-E secures 1,700 bookings before June price cut

Perodua slashed the QV-E price last month, bringing down its outright purchase price to RM 87,499 or RM 63,499 under the Battery as a Service programme. However, a recent report from Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) cited by New Straits Times revealed that Perodua's first EV had already collected 1,700 orders as of late May 2026, before the price cut on June 15. This indicates that the demand for the Perodua EV was already stronger than many had assumed. 

Northern Malaysia’s biggest MG owners’ gathering held in Langkawi

Northern Malaysia’s biggest MG owners’ gathering was recently held in Langkawi, highlighting the growing passion for the brand among Malaysian motorists. Organised by MG Alor Setar and supported by SAIC Motor Malaysia, the gathering comprises a total of 66 vehicles, including 55 MG5, nine MG HS SUVs, one MG4 electric hatchback and MG Cyberster roadster. The event also gave participants the opportunity to test drive the all-new MGS5 CKD electric SUV.

Yamaha Y15ZR and Y15ZR SE get a colour update in Malaysia

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has introduced new colour options for the Yamaha Y15ZR and Y15ZR Special Edition (SE). The standard model is now offered in a new Cyan Jade colour (replacing Mecha Green), while the special edition version gets  Royal Maroon as the latest colour option, along with gold alloy wheels and an exclusive Sports Visor on the front cowl. The 2026 Yamaha Y15ZR is priced at RM 8,998, while the Yamaha Y15ZR SE retails for RM 9,498. Both are powered by the same 149.7-cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder engine that produces 15.4 PS at 8,500 rpm and 13.8 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

First-ever Bentley EV’s name and debut date confirmed

Bentley has officially revealed the name and global debut date of its first-ever EV. Set to make its world premiere on September 23, 2026, the EV is named Torcal after ‘El Torcal de Antequera,’ a nature reserve in Spain’s Sierra del Torcal mountain range. The name also draws inspiration from the Latin word "torquere," which is the origin of the word torque. Bentley also dropped a teaser of the EV, showcasing its rear design equipped with slim diamond-pattern LED tail lights, sporty carbon-fibre accents and a prominent Bentley emblem. Despite getting ready to roll out its first pure EV, the brand reiterated that it will continue offering ICE models until at least 2035.

2026 GWM Tank 300 debuts in China with plug-in hybrid engine

Great Wall Motors has unveiled the all-new Tank 300 facelift in China, introducing refreshed styling, an upgraded cabin and a new Tank 300L plug-in hybrid variant. While the pure ICE version retains the same dimensions, the PHEV trim features an extended front end and a longer wheelbase. The latter is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a dual motor setup, generating a whopping power of 761 PS and 1,195 Nm. Equipped with a 59.6 kWh battery, the Tank 300L offers a pure EV range of 200 km and a combined range of 1,122 km.

8th-gen Lexus ES revealed in Australia 

Lexus has officially introduced the all-new 8th-gen ES in Australia, making it the first right-hand drive market to get the luxury sedan. Built on the new global architecture-K platform (GA-K), the upgraded Lexus ES is longer than its predecessor and features the brand’s new "Clean Tech x Elegance" design language. It is offered in one hybrid and two electric drivetrain options in the Australian market, including: 

• 2.5-litre four-cylinder paired with a traction motor, generating a combined output of 196 PS
• Single front-mounted traction motor producing 227 PS 
• Dual-motor powertrain that kicks out 343 PS

New entry-level BYD Seal 6 variant launched in Thailand

BYD has expanded the Seal 6 range in Thailand, with the launch of a new entry-level variant, named Standard. It is powered by a smaller 46.08 kWh battery, down from the 56.64 kWh pack available on the existing Dynamic and Premium variants. As a result, the range has been reduced to 410 km from 510 km. However, the rear motor setup remains the same as the Dynamic variant, producing 129 PS and 220 Nm. The new BYD Seal 6 Standard is priced at THB 799,900 (RM 98,000) in the Land of Smiles. 

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

Also read: 2026 Proton e.MAS 7 vs 2026 BYD Atto 3: Head-to-head comparison