While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) would turn out to be the first model introduced by the Proton e.Mas sub-brand, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are not completely ruled out. P1's parent company, Geely, has a model that could serve as the second model after the newly launched e.Mas 7. Following a preview last month, Geely officially launched the Geely Galaxy Starship 7 PHEV in China with 5 variants priced between CNY 99,800 to CNY 132,800 (~RM 61k-81k). From a design standpoint, the Starship 7 shar

CY Foong

Dec 17, 2024

Indonesia’s new car market, the largest in Southeast Asia, is facing its toughest challenge in more than a decade, with total new motor vehicle (four-wheelers and above) sales expected to go down to just 850,000 units this year. Except for the Covid-19 pandemic-hit 2021, Indonesia’s new vehicle sales have not dropped below 1 million units since 2011, when 894,164 units were sold. High interest rates, deflation, weak consumer confidence, stagnating household income, and an increase in new car pri

Hans

Dec 17, 2024

Following Thailand's example, the Indonesian government announced on Monday (16 December) that it will extend a further 3% discount on hybrid electric vehicles sold in the country in 2025. Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, revealed in a press conference that it will introduce a 3% Luxury Goods Sales Tax cut for hybrid vehicles from 1 January 2025. Currently, the maximum tax rate on hybrid vehicles which includes both full hybrids and mild hybrids is betw

CY Foong

Dec 17, 2024

The Proton e.Mas 7 was launched yesterday with a starting price of RM 109,800 for the entry Prime variant and RM 123,800 for the Premium variant. However, the first 3,000 customers will enjoy a lower ‘introductory price’ of RM 105,800 and RM 119,800 respectively. The first 3,000 customers figure is telling because, in Malaysia, only one battery EV (BEV) model has crossed the 3,000-unit annual sales milestone: the BYD Atto 3. Last year, distributor Sime Darby Beyond Auto sold 3,157 units of the B

Hans

Dec 17, 2024

DRB-HICOM Berhad and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to accelerate the transformation of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim, Perak, into a global hub for electrified and Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV). Collaboration with MIDA The first MOU, signed with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), focuses on promoting investments and fostering the growth of Malaysia’s automotive industry. The partnership aims

Sanjay

Dec 17, 2024