The rising car brands of 2024 in Malaysia: A year of surprises and breakthroughs

If you had told us at the start of 2024 that brands like Jaecoo, GWM, MG, would capture the headlines and hearts in Malaysia, it might have sounded fictitious.

After all, the automotive landscape here has long been ruled by heritage brands and names like Toyota, Honda, and Proton. 

Yet, in what can only be described as a tale of surprises of rising brands, these names have shaken up the scene, surprisingly been accepted by consumers, critics, and competitors alike.

And if we were to name the breakout star of the year – in a time when EVs have practically taken the center stage – Jaecoo stands tall above the rest, though others have certainly staked their claim to fame.

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Jaecoo: The Unexpected Hero of 2024

Let’s start with the biggest surprise of the year: Jaecoo. When this relatively unknown brand first announced its arrival, few gave it much thought.

Yet fast forward a few months, and boom – the Jaecoo J7 has become one of the SUVs of the year in Malaysia. And for good reason.

The J7, a rugged yet polished mid-sized SUV, ticked all the boxes for Malaysian buyers. High-tech features? Check. A cabin that felt well-built and luxurious? Double check. Off-road ruggedness? Oh, absolutely.

With suspension and chassis technology that felt like it belonged to much pricier vehicles like a Land Rover, the J7 delivered a driving experience that far exceeded its relatively affordable price point.

And Malaysians took notice. Whether it was tackling muddy backroads on the outskirts of the northern states or navigating urban traffic in Kuala Lumpur, the Jaecoo J7 proved itself to be versatile, reliable, and downright impressive.

It is a true all-rounder, the kind of SUV that looked just as good parked outside a hip cafe as it did covered in dust on a camping trip.

Just when you thought Jaecoo would stop at one hit, they dropped another bombshell: the Omoda C9 by Jaecoo.

Positioned as a premium off-road-ready SUV, the Omoda C9 combined the same high-tech interior, excellent build quality, and top-tier suspension tech from far pricier competitors.

Yet once again, Jaecoo played the value-for-money card, offering all that luxury for a price point that made other brands sweat, especially those pricey ones from Europe.

In many ways, Jaecoo’s success feels symbolic of what Malaysian buyers now crave: attainable luxury, rugged dependability, and the latest tech – all without breaking the bank. The year 2024 belonged to Jaecoo, and we can’t wait to see where they go next.

GWM Malaysia: A Slow Start with Big Wins

GWM (Great Wall Motor) Malaysia started 2024 quietly. With the dust settling from its earlier not so well received launches, many assumed the brand would have a subdued year.

But GWM had other plans, and they kicked off their resurgence in a big way with the Tank 300.

The Tank 300 is a quirky name for what turned out to be an incredibly appealing vehicle. A throwback to old-school off-road charm with modern design and tech, the Tank 300 was unapologetically rugged.

Sure, it wasn’t the cheapest option out there, but it made a statement: GWM could build a capable 4x4 that turned heads both on and off the road.

For enthusiasts who missed the golden age of boxy SUVs, the Tank 300 felt like a sample of an old song, remixed by a current popular artist.

But GWM wasn’t done. Enter the Haval H6 Hybrid or HEV as they labelled it, a vehicle that truly brought GWM to the masses.

In an SUV hybrid segment dominated by the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the Haval H6 stood out as an alternative that was bold, efficient, powerful and surprisingly affordable.

Malaysians are quickly embracing the H6’s combination of tech, fuel efficiency, and modern design, making it one of the rising hybrid SUV stars of the year.

From a quiet start to a growing presence, GWM Malaysia proved they can dig in and have what it takes to compete with the big boys.

The Tank 300 won hearts with its charm, while the Haval H6 helped GWM’s position in the mass market.

MG: A Stylish Comeback

MG is no stranger to the Malaysian market, but 2024 marked their big comeback – and they didn’t waste the opportunity. Leading the charge was the MG5, a sleek and chic sedan that caught everyone by surprise.

For years, Malaysian buyers looking for a budget-friendly sedan stuck to the usual suspects: the Toyota Vios, Honda City, or the new Proton S70.

Then came the MG5, shaking up the segment with its bold coupe-like design, excellent build quality, and an unexpectedly refined driving experience.

Ride and handling are words often thrown around loosely, but MG’s heritage for driver-focused cars shone through here. The MG5 was more than just a looker; it handled beautifully, bringing a touch of European flair to the segment.

What also helped MG’s case was its focus on after-sales value. A strong warranty and affordable servicing costs made it clear that MG was here to stay.

Buyers got a sedan that looked more expensive than it was, drove better than they expected, and didn’t cost a fortune to own. That’s a win-win-win.

Then came MG’s EV offering: the MG4. Compact, modern, and reasonably priced, the MG4 proved that you didn’t need to spend six figures to get a stylish electric car with respectable range and power.

Depending on the variant, the MG4 ticked all the right boxes for eco-conscious buyers looking for something chic and fun as well as an abundance amount of power.

But perhaps the most exciting moment for MG came at KLIMS 2024. There, the brand unveiled its future lineup: the sporty MG7, the MG3 Hybrid+, and the MG ZS Hybrid+.

It was a clear signal that MG isn’t just here to compete – they’re here to challenge others. With such promising models on the horizon, 2025 looks set to be another banner year for MG. 

Other vehicles introduced by SAIC Motor Malaysia, the official distributor of MG in Malaysia, include the striking MG Cyberster all electric rodster and the well-priced MG HS SUV. This highlights the remarkable versatility of their lineup and how it might get bigger in 2025.

BYD: The Electric Giant

No conversation about rising car brands in Malaysia would be complete without mentioning BYD. If Jaecoo was the surprise of 2024, BYD was the inevitable champion of the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Globally, BYD has been on an unstoppable rise, and Malaysia proved to be no exception. Their relentless pace of launches kept the momentum strong, with the BYD Sealion 7, M6, and an updated, more value-focused version of the BYD Seal all making waves.

What’s most impressive about BYD’s success is how quickly Malaysian buyers warmed to the idea of an all-electric lineup.

Traditionally, EVs have faced skepticism here – concerns about charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and cost are common refrains.

Yet BYD has managed to overcome these hurdles with cars that deliver great range, impressive performance, and competitive pricing.

The BYD Seal, in particular, stood out as a prime example of this. With its sharp design, powerful drivetrain options, and an accessible price point, it became a favorite among EV adopters, offering premium features without the premium price.

BYD’s strength also lies in its global backing and momentum. Malaysia isn’t the only country embracing BYD’s vision for an electric future, but it’s been remarkable to see how quickly the brand has built trust and excitement here.

As we look to 2025, we’re eagerly hoping for the arrival of their much-talked-about Shark pickup truck – because if BYD can do for pickups what they’ve done for sedans and SUVs, we’re in for a treat.

There's a lot of hurdles for this pickup though, becuase it's PHEV which means it doesn't have the right tax incentives to be sold in Malaysia. Never say never, because one can always dream.

Denza, the luxury sub-brand from BYD, is poised to make its Malaysian debut next year with the D9, a premium all-electric MPV.

Targeting a segment traditionally dominated by stalwarts like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, the D9 offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a combination of luxury, technology, and a fully electric driving experience.

The question now is: will loyal Alphard and Vellfire users be tempted to make the switch to electric? With rising interest in EVs and the growing demand for sustainable luxury, it will be fascinating to see how the market responds to this newcomer.

The Road Ahead

The year 2024 has been one for the books, and these rising car brands have proven that Malaysia’s automotive market is more dynamic than ever.

Jaecoo surprised us all, proving that high-tech, off-road-capable SUVs don’t need to cost a fortune.

GWM Malaysia quietly built momentum, launching rugged and hybrid offerings that appealed to a broad audience.

MG made a stylish comeback, delivering chic, driver-focused cars and teasing even more excitement for next year.

And BYD? Well, BYD simply continued its EV domination, solidifying its place as a key player not just in Malaysia, but globally.

As we gear up for 2025, one thing is clear: the Malaysian automotive market has never been more exciting. With these rising brands leading the charge, the competition will only get fiercer, and that’s great news for consumers.

Whether you’re looking for a rugged SUV, a stylish sedan, or an innovative EV, there’s never been a better time to shop for a new car in Malaysia.

We also can’t ignore the heritage brands that have long been cornerstones of Malaysia’s automotive market.

Names like Toyota, Honda, Perodua and Proton now face a renewed fight to regain the sales and market share being steadily chipped away by these ambitious rising players.

And we expect them not to back down. We might see established brands refreshing their lineups, and finding bold new ways to promote their cars.

From hybrid breakthroughs to tech-laden new models, the traditional giants are responding to the challenge with grit and creativity.

This brewing battle between legacy powerhouses and the hungry new contenders has set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating year ahead.

And if Jaecoo, GWM, MG, and BYD have taught us anything this year, it’s to expect the unexpected. Bring on 2025. 

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