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Continental has announced that it will discontinue tyre manufacturing operations at its Alor Setar facility in Malaysia by the end of 2025. The plant, which currently produces passenger car, light truck, and motorcycle tyres for the Asia Pacific market, employs around 950 people.

The decision follows a comprehensive business review aimed at safeguarding Continental’s competitiveness and optimizing its operations in the region. The company emphasized that its priority is to support affected employees by offering career counseling services and exploring alternative employment opportunities, both within and outside the Continental group.Continental_Alor Setar_Tyre Plant

Despite the closure, Malaysia remains a key market for Continental in the Asia Pacific region. The company reaffirmed its commitment to its Malaysian customers and partners, highlighting that trust and long-term relationships will continue to be the foundation of its business in the country.

The Alor Setar plant, which spans approximately 133,000 square metres, first began operations on 20 December 1979 and became a fully owned subsidiary of Continental in May 2012.

Continental continues to maintain a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region with manufacturing plants located in Hefei (China), Rayong (Thailand), Modipuram (India), Kalutara (Sri Lanka), and Petaling Jaya (Malaysia).

Globally, Continental remains one of the largest tyre manufacturers, offering a premium portfolio that includes tyres for passenger cars, trucks, buses, two-wheelers, and specialty vehicles, alongside smart fleet solutions. Founded in 1871, the technology company generated preliminary sales of €39.7 billion in 2024 and employs around 190,000 people across 55 countries and markets.

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Isuzu Malaysia has announced the appointment of Tomoyuki Yamaguchi as its new Chief Executive Officer. Officially assuming his role on 24 April 2025, Yamaguchi succeeds Shunsuke Okazoe, who has returned to Japan to assume the role of Vice President, Japan Sales Division at Isuzu Motors Ltd.

With nearly three decades of experience at Isuzu Motors, Yamaguchi brings extensive international expertise to his new role. A graduate of Toyo University, he began his career in 1997 with assignments in the International Operations Department, focusing on markets such as Russia and Ukraine. He later expanded his portfolio to cover the CIS countries and various Southwest Asian regions, before taking on a leadership role at Isuzu Motors South Africa, where he revitalized the commercial vehicle business. Isuzu Malaysia_Tomoyuki Yamaguchi_CEO

Upon his arrival in Malaysia, Yamaguchi praised the company’s achievements over the past two decades: “Isuzu Malaysia remains a model of excellence in the global perspective. The operations here have established a base of loyal customers who recognize the strengths and capabilities of Isuzu vehicles. This augurs well for the establishment of life-long customers of the brand. However, we need to continuously strive to make every customer experience a positive one. I hope to work with the team and our dealers to bring customer satisfaction to the next level.”

Among his immediate priorities, Yamaguchi will focus on strengthening Isuzu’s dealership network, improving service levels, and ensuring faster parts availability through better warehousing processes. He aims to expand the range of in-house services at dealerships to deliver a higher standard of care and convenience to Isuzu owners nationwide.

With a growing number of Isuzu vehicles on Malaysian roads, Yamaguchi’s leadership is expected to further solidify Isuzu’s position as a trusted brand among commercial and private vehicle owners.Isuzu Malaysia_3S Centre_Dealership_Service Reception

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L-R: Uday Kumar; Group Industrial Managing Director, Petronas Lubricants International; Khalil Muri; Managing Director & Group CEO, Petronas Lubricants International; Tuan Hj. Ahmad Adly Alias, Vice President of Refining, Marketing & Trading at Petronas & Chairman of Petronas Lubricants International; YBrs. Puan Noor Afifah Binti Abdul Razak, Deputy Secretary General of Policy & Monitoring, Ministry of Entrepreneur & Cooperatives Development (MECD); Tengku Syarif Laksamana Perlis, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Syed Razlan Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, Chairman of Glide Group; YBhg. Dato’ Hj. Muhazli Hj. Muhamad; President of Glide Technology; Simon St Matthew; CEO of Glide Technology Sdn Bhd.

Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) has entered into a collaboration with homegrown SME, Glide Technology Sdn Bhd, to support Malaysia’s growing energy demands. The partnership will see both companies work together on the distribution of premium insulating oils under the Petronas Tranol Glide brand.

With national electricity consumption forecasted to rise steadily over the next decade, the collaboration is timely. Insulating oils play a critical role in the operation of transformers, the key components in power substations that ensure safe and efficient energy transmission.

Meanwhile, Glide Technology is a bumiputera company based in Shah Alam, will manufacture Petronas Tranol Glide at its facilities for nationwide distribution. Established in 2007, the Glide group of companies operate across the petroleum-based product value chain and various engineering sectors, with a strategic presence in more than 11 countries. Glide_Lubricants

Dato’ Hj. Muhazli Bin Hj. Muhamad, President of the Glide Group of Companies, said, “This partnership agreement with Petronas Lubricants International marks a pivotal chapter in Glide’s growth and transformation journey. It validates our present market and technical capability, deepens our role in the national energy ecosystem, and reinforces our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s industrial development with world-quality, locally produced insulating oil solutions.” Electrical Substation
The collaboration also aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), under which Malaysia aims to achieve a 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050 – more than double its 2023 figure of just over 25%. As Malaysia prepares for increasing power demands driven by industrial expansion and digital infrastructure growth, partnerships between established players like PLI and agile SMEs like Glide will be crucial in supporting the nation’s energy future.

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GAC Motor and AION have further strengthened their presence in Southern Malaysia with the official opening of the new GAC Motor & AION Johor Jaya 3S Centre. This new facility is part of a nationwide expansion strategy aimed at delivering better accessibility and top-tier services to customers for GAC and AION brands across the country.

Located strategically in Plentong, the Johor Jaya 3S Centre covers 19,248 square feet and offers a full suite of Sales, Service, and Spare Parts (3S) operations under one roof. The facility includes a 6,590-square-foot showroom and customer lounge, and a comprehensive service area equipped with 4 hoists and 6 work bays. The service team currently consists of 7 certified technicians and service advisors, while 7 professional sales consultants are on hand to ensure a smooth and premium customer experience.

The showroom is operated by WTC Automotif (M) Sdn Bhd (WTCA), in collaboration with WariTan Automobile Sdn Bhd and eGarage Auto Services Sdn Bhd. Designed with customer comfort in mind, the facility includes modern amenities such as complimentary WiFi, a children’s play area, and an EV charging station to support growing electric vehicles presence. GAC Motor_AION_Johor Jaya 3S Centre_Showroom

With this opening, GAC Motor & AION now have 20 showrooms nationwide, including in East Malaysia (Kuching and Kota Kinabalu). The brands also maintain 3 strategic Parts Hubs across Northern, Central, and Southern Malaysia to ensure timely parts availability and efficient aftersales support.

To celebrate the launch, a GAC Motor Showroom Weekender event will be held from 26 – 27 April 2025, offering visitors a hands-on experience with test drives and a showcase of the latest GAC Motor and AION models. The event includes a special preview of the upcoming AION HYPTEC HT all-electric SUV, along with light refreshments and exclusive promotions. GAC_AION_HYPTEC HT

Customers can enjoy up to 9 months of free instalments on the GAC GS3 Emzoom, or up to 15 months of free instalments and a complimentary portable charger with bookings for the AION Y Plus. Furthermore, buyers of the EMZOOM Premium-R variant will also receive a complimentary GAC Smart Watch.

Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd—the parent company of WTCA—emphasized the importance of this expansion: “The opening of GAC Motor & AION Johor Jaya reflects our commitment to making premium automotive experiences more accessible to customers across Malaysia. As demand continues to rise, particularly for innovative and sustainable mobility solutions, we are dedicated to providing best-in-class service, cutting-edge technology, and an enhanced customer journey. We are confident that this new 3S Centre will further strengthen our relationship with customers in Johor and beyond.” GAC Motor_AION_Service Centre

Currently, GAC offers the GS3 Emzoom, priced between RM103,800 to RM126,800 (depending on variant), with a 5-year (or 150,000 km) vehicle warranty and an additional 7-year (or 180,000 km) warranty for the engine and transmission. The AION Y Plus, meanwhile, is available from RM119,800 to RM135,800 and comes with an 8-year (or 160,000 km) vehicle warranty and an 8-year (or 200,000 km) warranty for the power battery, drive motor, and electric control systems.

Looking ahead, there will be several new GAC Motor & AION models planned for the second half of 2025, including the GAC M8 Premium MPV, the all-electric HYPTEC HT SUV, and the sporty GAC Emkoo SUV.

The Johor Jaya 3S Centre is located at No. 2, Jalan Johor Jaya, Taman Johor Jaya, 81100 Johor Bahru.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, and Sundays / public holidays from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, the service centre operates from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays.

For more information, visit www.gacmotor.com.my and www.aionev.com.my.

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Audi has taken a significant step forward in the Malaysian premium automotive market with the local assembly of its flagship Q7 S line SUV. As the first Audi SUV to be assembled in Malaysia, this also marks the brand’s debut in local production across the entire Southeast Asian region.

The Audi Q7 S line, a 7-seater Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV), is now assembled at the Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) plant in Pekan, Pahang. The state-of-the-art facility, operated in collaboration with DRB-Hicom, has been assembling Volkswagen vehicles for the local market and now becomes the sole production site for Audi vehicles in Southeast Asia.

“This manufacturing plant and its transformation with a modernized and updated product portfolio is really a centre of excellence. Customers will continue to experience the same Audi quality, performance and luxury – now made in Malaysia,” said Dr Susanne Lehmann, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia. She described the launch as more than just a vehicle rollout, calling it “a symbol of vision, partnership, innovation and progress.”

L-R: Denyu Bostandzhiev; Dr Susanne Lehmann; Christian Krauel, GM Finance & Admin, Audi Singapore.
L-R: Denyu Bostandzhiev; Dr Susanne Lehmann; Christian Krauel, GM Finance & Admin, Audi Singapore.

VGM has invested over RM12 million to initiate Audi’s local production, aligning with Malaysia’s National Automotive Policy to promote high-tech, high-value manufacturing. The plant’s production capacity is expected to scale up to 5,000 units annually and will support additional Audi models in the future.

The move to local assembly also enables Audi to better respond to the rising demand for premium SUVs, particularly in the D-segment category, thanks to shorter delivery times and more competitive pricing.

“By assembling some of our top-of-the-line vehicles here, we can offer customers more competitive pricing and shorter delivery times,” said Denyu Bostandzhiev, Managing Director of PHS Automotive Malaysia, the official distributor of Audi vehicles in Malaysia.

“With growing demand for D-segment SUVs, we believe that this is the right time to add the Q7 to our range of Audi models to serve customers here and in the region. The signature Q7 will lead the way for more line-ups in the premium luxury segment,” he added.

The new Audi Q7 S line MHEV is available for booking with a price between RM469,000 and RM489,000. The official launch is expected to take place next month.

For more information or to place a booking, visit www.audi.com.my or head to the nearest Audi Centre.

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Official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), together with its authorised dealer, MN Wheels Sdn Bhd, has officially opened a new 3S (Sales, Service & Spare Parts) Centre in Teluk Panglima Garang. This latest addition marks the 18th Mitsubishi 3S showroom in the Klang Valley,  helping the brand expand its network and enhance its commitment to customer accessibility.

Strategically located at No. 4, Jalan Gangsa, Kawasan Perindustrian Teluk Panglima Garang, the new facility occupies a land area of 27,000 square feet, with a built-up space of 10,000 square feet. It features a fully equipped showroom and service centre outfitted with Mitsubishi Motors’ diagnostic tools to support the brand’s expanding customer base.Mitsubishi Triton

The launch of this outlet also reflects MN Wheels’ ongoing efforts to grow its presence across the region. The company first entered the Mitsubishi dealer network in 2020 with its Kuala Selangor showroom, followed by a second outlet in Bukit Raja. The Teluk Panglima Garang centre is its third and latest contribution to the Mitsubishi Motors dealer footprint.Mitsubishi Motors 3S Centre_Showroom_MN Wheels_Bukit Raja, Klang

“On behalf of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, we deeply appreciate MN Wheels’ unwavering support and commitment to the brand. The opening of this new outlet brings our products and services closer to the community, ensuring our customers in Teluk Panglima Garang are in excellent hands,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of MMM.

This latest development underscores Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s strategy to enhance customer reach through a robust dealer network, ensuring convenient access to vehicle sales, aftersales service, and genuine spare parts across urban and semi-urban areas. MMM is supported by a total of 63 showrooms, including 8 4S centres, and 63 service centres. In East Malaysia, the brand is represented by 16 showrooms, 8 each in Sarawak and Sabah. Additionally, MMM has 28 authorised Body & Paint (B&P) outlets to meet the needs of customers requiring accident repairs or paint restoration work.

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Denza Malaysia, the official distributor of the premium electric vehicle brand of BYD, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) to make EV ownership more accessible for Malaysians.

The partnership appoints Maybank as a preferred financier for Denza vehicles, introducing a suite of attractive financing solutions tailored to support the shift towards sustainable mobility. Among the highlights is the Accelerated Repayment Package, offering interest rates as low as 1.75%*, along with a fast-tracked application approval process designed to provide customers with a seamless and efficient financing experience.

“We are excited to partner with Maybank as an appointed panel bank to provide Denza customers with exclusive, affordable financing options. With Maybank’s competitive financing solutions and streamlined approval process, this partnership makes it easier than ever for Malaysians to make the switch to sustainable electric vehicles,” said Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, who signed the MOU together with
Zolkefli Bin Awang, Head of Consumer Finance, Maybank Community Financial Services.

Through this collaboration, both parties aim to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in Malaysia by offering financial accessibility and promoting the environmental benefits of EVs. Maybank’s participation also aligns with its broader goal of becoming a sustainability leader across ASEAN, further enhancing its portfolio of green financial solutions.Denza D9_Showroom

“We are delighted to be a preferred financier for Denza electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia, curating innovative solutions that go beyond competitive rates. This collaboration reflects Maybank’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable mobility – including, among others, by reducing emissions from passenger vehicle financing and accelerating EV adoption – and reinforces our broader ambition to become the sustainability leader across ASEAN,” said Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Group CEO, Community Financial Services, Maybank.

In addition to financing options, the partnership will include collaborative campaigns and events to increase public awareness of Denza’s offerings and their role in contributing to a greener future for Malaysia.

* All terms and conditions are subject to credit guidelines of Maybank.

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In a move to accelerate Malaysia’s transition towards sustainable transport, BYD Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD electric vehicles in Malaysia, has partnered with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption and reduce carbon emissions.

The collaboration, officially launched at the MOT headquarters in Putrajaya, introduces a 6-month EV experience programme called “Jom Pandu BYD Bersama MOT”, aimed at showcasing the benefits of EVs to government personnel. The initiative is supported by Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd, which has also installed 2 22 kW AC EV chargers at MOT’s premises. BYD Sime Motors_Ministry of Transport Malaysia_Jom Pandu BYD Bersama MOT

Under the programme, MOT officers will have access to BYD’s latest range of EVs, including the BYD Sealion 7, BYD Seal, BYD Atto 3 Ultra, BYD M6, and BYD Dolphin. The initiative is designed to give users firsthand experience of EV driving, focusing on practicality, comfort, and performance. to further reinforce confidence in electric mobility.

“BYD Sime Motors is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative in leading Malaysia’s transition to electric mobility together with the Ministry of Transport. We remain focused on our goal of supporting the Ministry’s carbon emissions reduction efforts. Through this immersive experience, we hope to encourage greater adoption of electric vehicles, not only by the public but also within government mobility use,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Sime Motors. BYD Sime Motors_Gentari_Ministry Of Transport Malaysia

The partnership goes beyond test drives. It marks a strategic initiative to integrate EVs into government operations. It also complements the broader National Energy Transition Roadmap, which targets the installation of 10,000 public EV chargers by 2025. Gentari, a key partner in this effort, currently operates over 530 charging points nationwide, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s EV infrastructure growth.

This joint effort underlines the vital role of public-private collaboration in building a more sustainable transport ecosystem, aligning with Malaysia’s low-carbon mobility goals. BYD M6_Jom Pandu BYD Bersama MOT

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The Isuzu D-Max continues to solidify its standing as one of Malaysia’s top pickup trucks, chalking up a record 18.3% market share in the first quarter of 2025. This is a significant leap from the 14.0% share recorded in the same period last year, positioning the D-Max firmly as the No. 2 best-selling pickup truck in the country.

Despite a challenging environment for diesel vehicles, especially following the rationalization of diesel subsidies which saw a sharp increase in price at the pump in Peninsular Malaysia, demand for the D-Max remains strong. Isuzu Malaysia attributes this growth to the truck’s outstanding fuel efficiency, reliability, and low running costs.

Isuzu Malaysia_COO_Kenkichi Sogo“What we have clearly seen is a growing number of buyers who have discovered the merits of owning and driving an Isuzu D-Max. Not only do they purchase a versatile vehicle that has far-reaching capabilities for their daily use and leisure, the D-Max’s exceptionally low running cost, superior dependability and cheap road tax ensures that customers still come out with a winning hand,” said Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenkichi Sogo.

Strong Growth In Peninsular Malaysia

While East Malaysia remains a stronghold for the brand (where Isuzu commands a 28.4% market share in  Sabah), the company also saw sales in Peninsular Malaysia growing. Market share in this region climbed from 12.1% in 2024 to 17.1% in Q1 2025, reflecting an increasing acceptance of the D-Max.

Three D-Max variants lead overall sales, with all powered by the highly efficient 1.9L engine i.e. 1.9L 4×4 Auto Premium; 1.9L 4×4 Auto Standard; and 1.9L 4×2 Auto Plus.

These three variants accounted for 72.7% of total sales. Demonstrating the D-Max’s exceptional fuel efficiency, two of these models recently entered the Malaysian Book of Records for covering 2,004 km on a single tank of fuel. Isuzu D-Max_Auto Plus 4x2

Designed For Real-World Economies

Beyond impressive fuel savings, the D-Max appeals to cost-conscious consumers with:

  • Class-leading features

  • Contemporary design

  • Annual road tax under RM400 (for private use in Peninsular Malaysia)

  • A comprehensive 5-year warranty

As Malaysian drivers seek vehicles that help them navigate rising living costs, the Isuzu D-Max has emerged as a top contender in the pick-up segment, not just for work, but as an all-round daily driver.

For more information or to locate the nearest Isuzu showroom, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my or follow Isuzu D-Max Malaysia on Facebook.

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Chery has assigned the AiMOGA robot, its first humanoid AI assistant, into real-world operation at Auto Shanghai 2025. The AiMOGA robot made its public debut at Chery’s Intelligent Strategy Launch in its homeground of Wuhu in mid-March, where it greeted visitors, offered refreshments, introduced vehicle features, and assisted with test drive bookings.

A version of AiMOGA is also at work at the Chery Joystar 4S dealership in Glenmarie. This futuristic humanoid marks a milestone in Chery’s expansion from intelligent manufacturing to intelligent service, and signals the brand’s commitment to fusing innovation with customer experience, especially under its Omoda & Jaecoo sub-brands.

Chery International President Zhang Guibing explaining to Selangor Raja Muda about the AiMOGA robot at a recent event.
Chery International President Zhang Guibing explaining to Selangor Raja Muda about the AiMOGA robot at a recent event.

From Digital Character To Physical Assistant

The origins of AiMOGA can be traced back to “Mornine,” a digital avatar created by Chery to engage younger, tech-savvy customers through virtual platforms. Originally appearing in marketing for the Omoda C5, Mornine served as the virtual face of the brand. That is, until Chery’s engineers and designers decided to bring her into the physical world. Chery_Mornine_Avatar

That decision sparked the development of the AiMOGA robot, co-created with the AiMOGA team and built on the foundations of Chery’s automotive technology. The result is a humanoid robot capable of interacting with humans naturally and intelligently.

Advanced Capabilities Rooted In Automotive Technology

AiMOGA is more than just a machine. It incorporates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies adapted from Chery’s experience in autonomous driving, smart perception, and electronic control. Equipped with a multimodal sensor system, AiMOGA can understand speech, gestures, and visual cues, allowing it to respond appropriately in dynamic showroom environments.

Its movement is supported by a bionic motion system and hardware that meet automotive standards for durability and precision. The robot also leverages deep learning models, such as Deepseek, to understand natural language and provide context-aware responses in real-time. Chery Aimoga Robot_Chery Showroom

Chery’s mature supply chain and engineering ecosystem enabled rapid development of the AiMOGA prototype, which completed its R&D in 2023 and underwent extensive public demonstrations in 2024. By early 2025, the robot began commercial duties in Malaysia, making it one of the first AI humanoids of its kind to be deployed in a customer-facing automotive role.

A Name With Meaning

The name “AiMOGA” draws from both Eastern philosophy and advanced AI theory. “Mo Jia” (墨甲) references Mozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher known for his scientific thinking, and “jia” symbolises armour, a nod to the robot’s futuristic exterior. In English, AiMOGA combines “AI” (artificial intelligence) with “MOGA” (multi-objective genetic algorithm), representing both its technical design and cultural inspiration.

What’s Next For AiMOGA?

The AiMOGA robot is at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, where it will support the Omoda & Jaecoo showcase of new models, including the Omoda C7 SHS and Jaecoo J5 BEV. It will also help introduce Chery’s latest super hybrid system, SHS, to visitors.

Looking ahead, Chery plans to deploy AiMOGA in a variety of public-facing environments, ranging from malls and cinemas to schools and care facilities. Designed to evolve with advancements in language, perception, and gesture control, AiMOGA is poised to become more than a showroom assistant. It represents Chery’s broader vision of “AI by your side”—a world where intelligent companions are a seamless part of everyday life. Chery Aimoga Robot

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