Weekly wrap-up: Jetour T1, New Ford Ranger variants launched, iCaur V23 EV local assembly begins, and more

The past seven days have kept the Malaysian automotive industry buzzing, with Jetour launching the new T1 SUV and Ford introducing new variants of the Ranger pickup truck. Meanwhile, BYD launched its certified pre-owned EV programme, and iCaur began the local assembly of the V23.

As for the international market, a few big reveals and major announcements kept the show running. Here’s a quick recap of the top auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Jetour T1 launched in Malaysia - Two variants, starts from RM 129,800

Jetour Auto Malaysia has launched the highly-anticipated T1 SUV in the local market. A smaller, more urban-friendly sibling to the rugged T2, the Jetour T1 is offered in two locally assembled variants - 1.5L TGDi 2WD and 2.0L TGDi XWD, priced at RM 129,800 and RM 146,800, respectively. The SUV features boxy exterior styling with upright proportions and a smart cockpit finished in black with orange accents. Two powertrain choices are - 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol FWD producing 184 PS and 290 Nm and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol AWD unit tuned to deliver 254 PS and 390 Nm. The early bird package offers a cash rebate of RM 2,000.

Ford Ranger gets new variants in Malaysia

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford, the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has upgraded the Ranger lineup. The upgrade brings a revised variant structure, updated pricing, and equipment. The Ranger Sport trim replaces the XLT Plus as the mid-spec offering and is offered in both  3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine options, while the 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel variant has been discontinued. Additionally, the Ranger Platinum now comes with the 3.0-litre V6 mill. The price list is as follows -  

• Ranger XL 2.0 - RM 127,888
• Ranger Sport 2.0 - RM 145,888
• Ranger Sport 3.0 - RM 159,888
• Ranger Platinum 3.0 - RM 205,888

Locally-assembled iCAUR V23 rolls off production line 

After the 03, iCaur Malaysia has now started local assembly of its second model, the V23, at the Chery Corporate Malaysia plant in Shah Alam. The locally-assembled model is offered in a single Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iWD) variant, priced at RM 132,780. It continues to feature the signature retro-futuristic, boxy styling, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, and an 81.76 kWh NMC battery pack, offering a driving range of 430 km. The V23 CKD units are expected to hit the showrooms by the end of July 2026. 

Proton opens 10 outlets in 10 days 

Proton has opened 10 new outlets across Malaysia within 10 days, strengthening customer access to its products and ownership service. These include 4 PROTON outlets and 6 Proton e.MAS centres, spanning the Central, Northern, Southern, East Coast and East Malaysia regions. The list is as follows: 

• Cahaya Automotif, Kota Damansara – Proton
• Juara Mulia, Adda Heights, Johor – Proton
• Indah Sari, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu – Proton
• Supernau, Batu Kawa, Sarawak – Proton
• MBf EV Auto, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur – Proton and Proton eMas
• AJG Mobility, Pavilion Bukit Jalil – Proton eMas
• Promas EV, Batu Pahat, Johor – Proton eMas
• GB Auto, Kulim, Kedah – Proton eMas
• BH Autotech, Taiping, Perak – Proton eMas
• Dunia Motors, Temerloh, Pahang – Proton eMas

New smart #5 BRABUS Laser Red Edition arrives in Malaysia

smart Malaysia introduced an exclusive Laser Red Edition of its high-performance all-electric flagship SUV, the #5, this week. Available in a limited quantity, the smart #5 BRABUS Laser Red Edition reflects the dynamic spirit of the Brabus brand, while retaining all the performance, technology and premium features as the regular #5 BRABUS. The price also remains unchanged at RM 259,800

Jaecoo J5 EV bookings open in Malaysia ahead of launch 

Bookings for the Jaecoo J5 EV are now underway in Malaysia, ahead of the launch expected later this year. The estimated price reads RM 125,000, making it almost RM 17,000 dearer than the ICE-powered J5. The EV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor generating a maximum power of 211 PS and a peak torque of 288 Nm. Feeding the electric motor is a 58.9-kWh CATL LFP battery, delivering a WLTP driving range of up to 402 Km. The Jaecoo J5 EV will be offered as a CKD model in Malaysia, locally assembled at Chery Corporate Malaysia’s plant in Shah Alam. 

BMW Group Malaysia appoints new managing director

BMW Group Malaysia has appointed Raymond Tan Chor Ann as its new Managing Director, effective from 1st September 2026.  He is a Malaysian and has built an extensive career within the BMW Group spanning key markets and strategic functions across the Asia-Pacific region and the company’s headquarters in Munich. He succeeds Benjamin Nagel, who will take on the position of Managing Director of BMW Group Importer Markets in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao. 

BYD Certified pre-owned EV programme introduced in Malaysia

BYD Sime Motors has introduced the certified pre-owned EV programme in Malaysia, with the opening of the first BYD Certified outlet in Glenmarie. It offers a one-stop platform for buying, selling, and trading in certified used BYD EVs. The programme is built upon the following five assurance pillars: 170-point professional vehicle inspection, mileage not exceeding 100,000 kilometres, vehicle age not exceeding 4 years, 4 NOs guarantee inspection and genuine parts. The pre-owned BYD EVs are offered with verified service history, warranty coverage, financing options and aftersales support.

BAIC-owned Arcfox set to arrive in Malaysia

BAIC-owned Arcfox is officially set to enter the Malaysian automotive market, with the brand’s official social media pages now up and running. As per reports, this upcoming Chinese brand will be distributed by Go Auto Group, whose subsidiary ‘Intro Synergy’ handles Neta’s distribution in the country. The expected Arcfox models to launch in Malaysia are: T1 compact SUV, T5 mid-size SUV and S5 electric sedan.

Malaysia gets the WMoto Griffin 205 scooter

The Malaysian scooter market welcomed a new contender this week in the form of the WMoto Griffin 205. Priced at RM 8,888, this urban commuter offers modern styling, practical features, and comprehensive safety equipment. It is powered by a 198-cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out a maximum power of 19.4 hp at 8,250 rpm and a peak torque of 17.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Available colour options are - Action Blue, Glacier Grey, Nitro Red, and Xtreme White.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Range Rover GT prototype revealed globally 

Land Rover gave us the first official glimpse of its new model this week, called the Range Rover GT. This is the brand’s first model that ditched the traditional upright SUV design and features a lower, sleeker profile. Notably, It's the fifth model in the Range Rover lineup and the brand's first EV that underpins the new EMA platform, specifically designed for next-gen electric vehicles. The cabin boasts a minimal luxury design with premium materials and a large touchscreen. No details have yet been provided regarding the EV’s drivetrain, battery capacity, range and pricing.  

2027 Leapmotor B10 EV debuts in China

Leapmotor has rolled out the first upgrade of its compact electric, the B10, in the Chinese market. For the model year 2027, the Leapmotor B10  benefits from some major upgrades, including the new 800-volt electrical architecture enabling fast charging (30 to 80% SoC in just 18 mins) and a larger battery pack, offering a range of up to 610 Km (CLTC). The upgraded EV is also powered by a more powerful rear electric motor, generating 252 PS and 260 Nm, up from 218 PS and 240 Nm.

Third-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA set to debut this month

Mercedes-Benz is ready to pull the wraps off the all-new third-gen GLA on July 29, 2026. The new GLA will underpin the brand’s Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform and is expected to come in the pure EV form initially. Petrol-powered hybrid versions may arrive at a later date, with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. As for cosmetic enhancements, we can expect an illuminated front grille, star-shaped lighting units, and an elongated silhouette. Inside, the upgraded Mercedes-Benz GLA is likely to get the MBUX Superscreen with three integrated displays. 

Ford and Geely team up to develop SUVs

Ford and Geely have joined hands to co-develop a new C-segment SUV for the European market, as a part of a broader collaboration to strengthen their presence in the region. Under this strategic partnership, the two companies will set up a joint venture at Ford’s Valencia plant in Spain, of which the American automaker will hold 66% while the Chinese automaker owns the remaining 34%. The Spanish facility will also manufacture five more vehicles - the Ford Kuga, new Ford Bronco, two Geely EVs, and the new co-developed C-segment SUV. 

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

Also read: Malaysia’s automotive market in H1 2026: 6 Key trends and insights