MotaAuto, Kuala Lumpur (2026)

22/10/2026

Inaugural Heritage Motor Exchange Asia to be held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur this weekend

Malaysia is home to a deeply rooted community of automotive enthusiasts, boasting the presence of many significant heritage cars hidden within private garages around the country. These cars, some with long and illustrious histories, are well preserved and have high values.

At Heritage Motor Exchange Asia this weekend, to be held at Merdeka Hall in the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, these classic models will be on display for an inaugural event.

Organized by the Collectors' Consortium and curated by Andrew Suresh, the 3-day gathering is designed to bring greater structure and data-driven transparency to a sector that has historically relied on subjective valuations.

50 classic and collector cars
Up to 50 classic and collector cars will be showcased, spanning 6 distinct categories that map the evolution of automotive design: Vintage, Classic, Modern Classic, Contemporary Exotic, Luxury, and Performance.

Moving away from traditional static motorshow formats, the event introduces a 100-Point Concours Judging System. Conducted by a panel of experienced, independent judges in collaboration with European industry partners, the assessments evaluate vehicles based on physical condition and component authenticity.

The scores are then mapped against historical transaction data to establish certified fair-trade value ranges, which will be displayed directly on the windscreens of participating vehicles intended for sale.

Key segments
The programme features several key segments, including the Concours de Vente and Concours d'Elegance, together with a Private Consignment Paddock for verified vehicle trading.

Adding to the event’s heritage credentials, Cycle & Carriage joins as the Anchor Heritage Partner, commemorating its 75-year association with Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and Singapore. Its history, dating back to the introduction of the German marque to then Malaya and Singapore, will be showcased at the event.

Motorsport display
Additional highlights include a historical motorsport display featuring iconic race and rally cars dating back to the 1970s, as well as an integration of modern technology featuring an intelligent humanoid robot serving as an on-site presenter.

Officers from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and PUSPAKOM will also be present to assist with vehicle roadworthiness inspections and ownership transfers. Financial assessments and insurance processing will also be available.

“Heritage Motor Exchange Asia is an exciting addition to Malaysia’s collector-car scene, and we are pleased to be part of its inaugural edition. For many collectors, a classic car represents years of passion, an appreciation for craftsmanship and a legacy to pass on to future generations,” said Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group CEO of AFFIN Group which is the event’s Presenting Partner.

The exhibition opens with an exclusive preview on Friday, October 23, followed by full public access on Saturday and Sunday.

22/10/2026

Clean toilets at Petron stations recognised by Malaysia Book of Records

In 2023, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government promoted clean and attractive public toilets as one of the initiatives to improve everyday public infrastructure.

Petron Malaysia was one of the companies which took this seriously and in fact, had already been elevating hygiene standards at its stations since 2018 when it launched the ‘Tandas Kita Bersih’ campaign.

Designed to foster greater public awareness and provide clean and welcoming toilets, the campaign drove ongoing investments in facility maintenance and infrastructure across Petron's station network. Its dealers and their operational teams played an instrumental role in maintaining these daily standards.

Sustained adherence to high standards yielded international recognition in 2023, when Petron Stadium Hang J***t in Melaka won the ASEAN Public Toilet Initiative.

Building on this momentum, an assessment conducted in June 2025 evaluated 560 Petron service stations — representing 86% of the network at the time — which successfully attained 4-star or 5-star ratings under criteria measuring hygiene, functionality, maintenance, and overall customer comfort. Current performance data indicates that this figure has since risen to 91% of stations.

Recently, all this dedicated effort brought Petron Malaysia official recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records for achieving the highest number of service stations awarded 4-star and 5-star toilet cleanliness ratings by local councils nationwide.

Petron Malaysia believes that clean and well-maintained toilets are a basic customer expectation and an important part of the overall customer experience. This is in line with the brand’s ‘Pasti OK’ promise, which reflects the company’s commitment to deliver an enriching experience at every stop through quality products, services and facilities.

"This recognition is the result of years of consistent effort and close partnership with our service station dealers and their teams. We are proud to see that what started as a restroom cleanliness campaign in 2018 has grown into a nationwide commitment that has now set a new benchmark for the industry. This is an important milestone for us, reinforcing our drive to keep raising our standards in serving our customers in line with our ‘Pasti OK’ promise,” said Mohd Nizam Mansor, General Manager of Petron Malaysia.

Petron Malaysia
Malaysia Book of Records
KPKT Malaysia

22/10/2026

Only Mercedes-AMG Service Hub in Southeast Asia and second in Asia opens in Malaysia

Most luxury and premium brands have established full aftersales networks in Malaysia to provide support to their customers, including those who own the very expensive exclusive models that might number just a handful.

However, there may still be some models that are so specialised that the technical support needed is not readily available in the country, and the automaker has either to send technicians over or the customer may have to send the car elsewhere to a qualified facility.

Only 275 units in the world
The Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar is one such model that is extremely specialised. The limited-production, road-legal hypercar is powered by a Formula 1–derived 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine and four electric motors. The hybrid electric drivetrain generates a combined 1,063 horsepower; torque figures are claimed to be unmeasurable due to the complex drivetrain.

F1 driver Lewis Hamilton was involved in the development of the car and owns one as well. The original price was US$2.72 million USD (about RM10.5 million).

With only 275 units sold globally, it requires specialised maintenance with special diagnostic systems, controlled workshop conditions, and direct technical links to Mercedes-AMG specialists.

To provide this, Mercedes-AMG, the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, established a network of service hubs in Germany, Switzerland, the Middle East, and Japan following the delivery of the first unit in January 2023.

First in Southeast Asia
Until now, owners in Asia have used the hub in Japan to get service support but now, there is another one in Southeast Asia at Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi in Selangor, Malaysia.

This new Mercedes-AMG ONE Service Hub, which has been set up with an investment of RM2.2 million, will provide aftersales services not only to owners in Malaysia but also the region.

The facility will also coordinate directly with the Mercedes-Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific hub situated in Malaysia, optimizing parts distribution and reduce downtime with faster parts deliveries.

'Flying Doctor' service
Whenever required, technical ‘Flying Doctors’ will travel to the other countries to provide services for the hypercars. An integrated digital service framework enables transparent, real-time diagnostic reporting for immediate responses.

Technicians at the Hap Seng Star Bukit Tinggi facility have completed specialized training programs and received certification from Mercedes-AMG to handle and maintain the Mercedes-AMG ONE.

“The Mercedes-AMG ONE is the ultimate expression of Formula 1 technology brought to the road. Such extraordinary engineering demands an equally specialised service ecosystem. Malaysia already serves as a strategic hub for Mercedes-Benz, with operations and expertise supporting the region and beyond,” said Martin Schulz, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & Head of Region, Mercedes-Benz Cars Southeast Asia.

“Establishing Southeast Asia’s first and only Mercedes-AMG ONE Service Hub adds a new dimension to this role, reinforcing our confidence in the country’s talent and capabilities while strengthening our commitment to owners across the wider Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

Hap Seng Star
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia

21/10/2026

BYD to collaborate with Gentari to introduce 1,500 kW Flash Charging system to Malaysia

The BYD Flash Charging system represents a significant technological leap that benefits EV owners – charging time.

While there are some conditions that need to be met – especially vehicle system compatibility and a new second-generation BYD Blade Battery – the technology is another step forward. It makes the wait for recharging comparable to filling liquid fuel for a combustion engined vehicle.

The higher the power supply, the faster the charging can take place and this has been steadily increasing over the past 5 years. BYD’s system has boosted the increase by more than 3 times what the most powerful DC fast-chargers provide.

With the Flash Charging system which provides a 1,500 kW power supply, recharging for just 5 minutes can add approximately 400 kms of driving range, with 10% to 90% said to take 9 minutes.

BYD is keen to introduce the Flash Charging system globally and in Malaysia, it will collaborate with Gentari (a PETRONAS unit) to support the development and deployment of high-power EV charging infrastructure.

The strategic collaboration will explore the introduction of BYD Flash Charging technology alongside battery energy storage systems to streamline charging times and improve user convenience.

Under the terms of the MoU signed recently, suitable locations will be identified, focusing on major intercity corridors connecting key population centres. The initiative also entails assessing underlying power infrastructure, battery energy storage requirements, technical parameters, commercial frameworks, and potential operating models to facilitate large-scale deployment.

Beyond mobility applications, the partnership extends into renewable energy generation and storage initiatives, leveraging Gentari's clean energy portfolio and BYD's innovations in energy technology.

“BYD has been investing in advanced charging technology to address one of the key considerations for EV users, which is charging time. We are now taking this technology beyond our home market and expanding its reach to more international markets,” said Liu Xueliang, Vice-President of BYD and General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division.

He noted that Malaysia is an important market for BYD, and the company is pleased to bring BYD Flash Charging here as part of its continued efforts to support the country’s growing EV adoption.

Click on the link in the comments to read more about BYD Flash Charging.

BYD Cars Malaysia
Gentari Go

21/10/2026

New OMODA X debuts in China

Since appearing in the global automotive landscape in 2022 as a new brand in the Chery Auto group, OMODA (which merged with JAECOO, another Chery brand, in 2025) has been on a steady growth trend with a range that has kept widening.

Yesterday, another model was added to the range at the brand’s International User Summit in China and even before the event, the theme ‘OMODA X Night’ hinted at what the new model’s name would be.

Covers multiple segments
And indeed, the new model that staged its global debut is designated simply as the "X". Positioned directly beneath the established OMODA 9, the new X bridges multiple vehicle segments. According to the OMODA | JAECOO, the crossover merges the daily usability of a standard SUV, the mechanical attributes of an off-road vehicle, and the visual lines of a sportscar.

Dimensionally, it measures 4650 mm in length, 1910 mm in width, and 1720 mm in height. Stylistically, the exterior draws cues from futuristic ‘mecha’ culture, featuring a wide-body stance, prominent shoulders, a sculpted waistline, and an athletic silhouette.

This rugged image is reinforced by functional capabilities for off-road motoring - 200 mm of ground clearance, and a wading depth exceeding 700 mm. For practical utility, the vehicle is rated for a towing capacity of up to 1,800 kgs, together with a roof load capacity of 75 kgs.

Mecha theme
Within the X, the cabin layout continues the mecha theme with what is referred to as the Mecha Command Cockpit. The driver-focused environment has a twin-wing layout paired with an X-shaped floating centre console.

Technology integration includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch central touchscreen interface, though the layout retains physical controls for frequently accessed functions such as the air-conditioning system and driving mode selection.

Electrified drivetrains
Beneath the bodywork, the X comes with a choice of fully electric or hybrid electric drivetrains. 2WD and AWD variants are available, the latter being provided by an X-MODE system. This system’s characteristics can be personalised by the driver to suit surface conditions or personal preferences.

A notable technical inclusion is the addition of an infrared thermal imaging night vision system. Designed to detect potential road hazards from up to 90 metres away, the technology aims to improve driver awareness during low-visibility night driving conditions.

While the model has been introduced, OMODA | JAECOO has not announced when shipments will start and which markets will get it first.

Omoda&Jaecoo Global
Omoda&Jaecoo Malaysia

20/10/2026

MPV + SUV + TRUCK = Fiat Multiplay

Fiat has long explored the design possibilities of multi-purpose vehicles, occasionally showing the public some of its studies and if response has been positive (and even when it’s not been positive), made the concept a production reality for sale.

The latest design study is the Multiplay concept which was presented at the Paris Motor Show. Measuring 4.45 metres in length, the concept explores an intersection of vehicle categories by combining the interior packaging of an MPV, the image of an SUV, and the utility of a pick-up truck.

Exploratory laboratory
An exploratory laboratory rather than a preview of an immediate production model, the Multiplay concept’s technical core is the C-Pillar ‘Metamorfosi’ architecture. This utilizes a longitudinally sliding rear module that allows the body to physically transform.

In its primary configuration, the vehicle provides a 6+1 family layout featuring an enclosed cabin. By sliding the rear module, the structure converts into a 4-seat cabin with an open rear cargo bed to carry bicycles and bulky outdoor equipment.

Aerodynamics and utility are merged in the rear spoiler, which rotates to function as an integrated bicycle rack capable of carrying up to 2 bikes when the vehicle is in its pick-up configuration. This engineering approach eliminates the requirement for external add-on accessories.

Maximized internal volume
The interior layout draws upon the historical lineage of the 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla and its 1998 successor, both of which prioritized maximizing internal volume within a compact footprint.

The Multiplay updates this philosophy with the ‘Petsenger seat’, a modular unit that adapts to serve as an anchor point for a child safety seat, a dedicated space for pets, or a functional table and storage zone. Specific provisions for animal transport include a detachable section of the seat cushion that functions as a leash and a door-integrated compartment housing a folding bowl.

Addressing the common spatial limitations of third-row seating in modern family transport, the rear compartment of the Multiplay is scaled to accommodate children or adults when necessary, establishing a distinct family zone.

Lounge concept
Up front, the passenger seat features a ‘Sunseat’ configuration which rotates to face backwards and utilizes the dashboard as a backrest, creating a chaise longue beneath the panoramic roof when the vehicle is parked.

The material selection and colour design take aesthetic cues from the Italian summer and watermelon palettes, adopting bright exterior green alongside interior red and pink tones.

Tough materials
Functional surfaces favour simplicity, employing monomaterial textiles created through a zero-waste, no-stitch 3D knitting process. Waterproof finishes are applied to zones designated for children and pets to withstand intensive everyday use.

Digital integration within the cabin is kept minimal through a hidden display embedded in the horizontal dashboard strip. The screen remains invisible when the vehicle is powered down to reduce visual clutter.

"Families’ needs are changing, and this concept allows us to explore solutions that change with them," said Arnaud Belloni, the new CEO of Fiat, Abarth and Lancia and Chief Marketing Officer for Europe. “Multiplay expresses a quality we want to bring to FIAT’s next chapter: the ability to make the car useful in everyday life."

Fiat | Stellantis

20/10/2026

Toyota sales continue to zoom upwards

UMW Toyota Motor maintained its steady upward trajectory in the Malaysian market, recording over 24,500 units in total sales during the third quarter of 2026. This performance brings the company's year-to-date sales volume to more than 60,800 units, driven by sustained demand across its diverse vehicle line-up.

Refining the overall ownership lifecycle has been part of the brand’s strategy, with the primary objective being long-term customer confidence and reliability well beyond the initial showroom visit.

“As the market evolves, our focus remains clear. We want every customer to feel confident in their choice, supported in their journey, and assured that Toyota delivers value long after they leave the showroom. We are strengthening the Toyota experience around reliability, convenience and customer confidence, which matter most to our customers,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

Toyota My App campaign
Digital engagement is also being promoted and to support this, the Toyota MY App campaign (which runs till December 31, 2026) encourages greater app usage and service bookings.

Customers will receive 500 Loyal-T Points upon Toyota MY App registration and 500 Loyal-T Points for each service booking made through the app when sending their vehicle for servicing. The campaign applies to both new and existing app users.

Toyota MY App is an app dedicated to Toyota vehicles and brings vehicle management to the smartphone in the owner’s hand. The app provides vehicle information and, depending on the model, connected features such as remote engine start and vehicle telematics that include access to recordings from the vehicle’s digital video recorder.

Besides easy service booking at the nearest authorised aftersales centre, the app can also be used to get help if the vehicle has problems. Roadside assistance can be requested directly from the app, 24/7.

Making charging easier
As the number of owners of Toyota EVs increases, UMWT is working to broaden infrastructure support. Partnering with chargEV and JomCharge, the company will have another 42 public EV charging points at 21 Toyota and Lexus outlets nationwide over the next 8 months.

Seven of these sites are already operational, with the remainder scheduled for staged deployment. The charging stations are accessible to all EV owners and can be located via the mobile apps of charge and JomCharge.

Toyota Malaysia

20/10/2026

Super discounts from DBKL for summonses - from just RM5.

20/10/2026

Help Proton to design the next Proton e.MAS models

PRO-NET (Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd), PROTON’S subsidiary handling New Energy Vehicles, has launched ‘e.MAS Impianku’, a nationwide artificial intelligence-powered contest inviting Malaysians to conceptualize their ideal electric vehicle.

Running from October 19 until November 30, 2026, the initiative aims to gather public insight into the styling, features, and technologies consumers hope to see in future electrified models of the Proton e.MAS brand.

According to PRO-NET Chief Executive Officer, Zhang Qiang, the contest serves as an avenue to understand consumer preferences while directly engaging the public on the subject of electric mobility.

“Through e.MAS Impianku, we want to give Malaysians a fun and creative way to imagine their ideal EV and bring those ideas to life through AI. Whether it's bold designs, innovative features or unique personal touches, we're excited to see how Malaysians envision their future Proton e.MAS,” he said.

“Each creation will offer us valuable insight into the designs, technologies, and experiences Malaysians value. We look forward to seeing their creativity come to life and involving them in shaping the conversation around the future of electric mobility,” said Mr. Zhang Qiang added.

Participants aged 18 and above residing in Malaysia can enter by utilizing generative artificial intelligence platforms based on recommended prompts provided on the campaign microsite, protonemasimpianku.com.

Submitted designs will be showcased in a digital gallery where public voting will take place from December 5 to 13, 2026 to shortlist the top 20 entries for final evaluation. The winners will be announced in January 2027, with top participants receiving personalized 3D-printed models of their conceptual designs.

In parallel with the open public category, PRO-NET has established a dedicated University Students Edition running concurrently over the same period. Open to students enrolled in recognized higher education institutions across Malaysia, this stream features independent evaluation by a panel of judges rather than public polling.

Prizes for the student category include cash awards ranging from RM400 to RM1,000 along with exclusive merchandise for merit winners.

All submissions must represent original artificial intelligence-generated concepts and must not reflect confirmed production vehicles. Additional details regarding submissions and terms are available through the official campaign portal.

Proton e.MAS Cars | Proton Cars

20/10/2026

New BYD dealership in Klang Valley includes exhibition space for artists

BYD Sime Motors, the unit of Sime Motors handling marketing and distribution of BYD EVs in Malaysia, has further expanded its retail footprint in the Klang Valley with the addition of BYD Rawang. Operated by BE Autohaus, the new facility is the BE group's third authorized BYD outlet, following outlets in Setia Alam and Kota Kemuning since November 2022.

Situated in a rapidly developing corridor in the northern Klang Valley, the European-inspired facility spans 4,298 square feet on a total site area of 10,803 square feet.

European-inspired style
The architecture incorporates light-coloured finishes, balanced proportions, and subtle castle-inspired detailing. Designed to accommodate up to 5 display vehicles, the interior layout integrates a dedicated customer lounge and a private vehicle delivery room to manage the handover process from initial discovery to final delivery.

It’s not only cars that you’ll find at this automotive facility. It is also a community-focused art initiative designed to support emerging local talent.

Exhibition space
The showroom has a dedicated exhibition space where regional artists can display and sell their creative works each quarter of the year. To directly benefit the local creative community, participating artists retain 100% of the sales proceeds, with no commission charged by the dealership.

With the opening of BYD Rawang, the network of the world’s No.1 EV brand now has 45 sales and marketing outlets, 33 aftersales facilities, and 16 body and paint centres across Malaysia.

BYD Cars Malaysia | BYD Sime Beyond Auto
BYD Be Drive Auto

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