Weekly Wrapup: Xpeng X9 EV MPV spotted, 2500 bookings for Proton eMas, 2025 Toyota Camry 2.5V launched, and more

This is the last weekly wrapup story of the year and like all the others this too is packed with exciting news for the local and international car enthusiasts. Good news for the newly launched Proton eMas as it has registered 2500 bookings; also it is great to witness how much effort the automaker is taking to enhance the after-sales experience by opening new service centers. In the new year, we are expecting many new vehicles, one of which is the Xpeng X9 electric MPV which was recently spotted doing test rounds around the city.

On the international front, the automotive world witnessed quite a few big reveals including the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Anniversary Edition, the 2025 Toyota Camry Glorious Edition, and the Radar King Kong. In case you missed out on any of that, here’s a quick recap of all the major happenings from the auto world.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton eMas grabs over 2500 booking

Proton eMas 7 EV hit the Malaysian auto scene on December 16 and as per Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), the car has achieved over 2,500 bookings to date. The all-electric SUV is offered in two variants locally, Prime (RM 109,800) and Premium (RM 123,800). As announced by the automaker, the first 3,000 buyers will get a RM 4,000 discount along with a launch package worth RM 8,000 consisting of a free V2L adaptor worth RM500, a free 7kW home charger worth RM1,500, a trade-in rebate worth RM1,200, a five-year unlimited data package worth RM1,800, and a special 1.98% interest rate from Proton Commerce.

With the launch offer still in play, interested customers can book the Proton eMas 7 at any of the Proton eMas 30 dealerships nationwide or via Proton e.MAS official website.

Xpeng X9 7-seat EV MPV spotted locally

A new EV is gearing up to set foot in Malaysia. Called the Xpeng X9, the 7-seater electric MPV was recently spotted doing rounds on Malaysian roads. The spotted car was a right-hand driven unit and had ‘Bermax Xpeng Research & Development’ imprinted on the right-hand side doors. Before this, the RHD version of X9 made its debut in Hong Kong, where it is offered in two trim options.

Once launched in Malaysia, the Xpeng X9 electric MPV will compete with the likes of Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, Zeekr 009, and the upcoming Denza D9.

Perodua & Telekom Malaysia team-up

National automaker Perodua has entered into a strategic partnership with Telekom Malaysia for EV development, sustainable growth, and digital innovation. Four strategic areas are covered under this collaboration including - Environmental Sustainability, Hyperconnected Network, Enriching Customer Experience, and Advancing Digital Technology. Telekom Malaysia with its TM One arm will enhance Perodua’s fixed and wireless connectivity infrastructure, thus enhancing the automaker's data management, operational capabilities, and supporting its future expansion.

21 BYD service centers in Malaysia

BYD ownership has now become more convenient thanks to its now operational 21 service centers (both Peninsular and East Malaysia); out of which 17 have body and paint capabilities. All these BYD service centers are equipped with comfortable lounges and specialized EV tools. Its body and paint facilities offer expert body repair services that make sure your car looks new even after a mishap.

Proton eMas showroom opened in Shah Alam

The first of Protone eMas-branded showrooms has officially opened its doors to facilitate sales of the automaker's new product range. Located at the Ideal Convention Centre in Seksyen 15, Shah Alam, Selangor; it facilitates vehicle servicing and spare part requirements. The showroom operates from 8 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday, and 9 am to 6 pm on Sundays & public holidays. The service department operates six days a week (Monday to Saturday) from 8:30 am to 5 pm with a lunch break from 1 to 2 pm.

Pro-Net has appointed 37 dealers all over Malaysia and of these 30 outlets are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.

2025 Toyota Camry 2.5V in Malaysia

Following the launch of the 9th gen Camry Hybrid, UMW Toyota Motor has now launched the non-hybrid variant of the sedan. Called the Toyota Camry 2.5V, the model retails for RM 221,800 (on-the-road without insurance) with a 5-year, unlimited mileage standard. The car is available in six striking colour options namely, Dark Blue Mica, Emotional Red 2, Previous Metal, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Attitude Black Mica, and Cement Grey Metallic.

The car is powered by Toyota’s Dynamic Force engine, a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four pumping a maximum power of 204 PS and peak torque of 246 Nm. The drive is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission that allows the car to complete a century sprint in 8.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 210 kmph.

Also Read: 2025 Toyota Camry 2.5V: All you need to know

Global automotive market: Key launches and updates

Daihatsu to exhibit at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025

Daihatsu has recently announced that it will exhibit its vehicle line-up at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025. The said event is scheduled to take place next month from Jan 10 to 12, 2025, at the Makuhari Messe. The automaker is set to display seven cars which will be based on community and motorsports themes.

The list of cars includes - Mira e:S GR Sport Concept, Mira e:S, Copen GR Sport, Hijet Truck Jumbo Extend2, Atrai Wildranger2, Hijet Truck Lift, and Hijet Truck Tool Base.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV sets Guinness World Record

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV has set a Guinness World Record for completing the greatest altitude (5,802 meters) challenge by an EV. The event was organized by Hyundai Motor India Limited wherein a team from Evo India drove the EV for over 14 days; from Unling La, Ladakh to Kuttanad, Kerala (4,900 km). The car that participated in the event was an unmodified Ioniq 5 that braved extreme climatic conditions and challenging terrain.

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid coming soon

Subaru has confirmed that the hybrid version of the 6th gen Forester will arrive in the United States in 2026, thus joining the ongoing non-hybrid model. It is believed the hybrid version shares the same powertrain with the Crosstrek Hybrid.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Anniversary Edition introduced in Japan

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Mazda MX-5, the automaker has introduced the ‘35th Anniversary Edition’, set to go on sale in Japan in Feb 2025. The special edition model is available with a soft top version and will retail for 3,753,200 yen (approximately RM 106k). Powering this beauty is a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated in-line petrol engine making 136 PS and 152 Nm; the drive is sent to rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission.

2025 Toyota Camry Glorious Edition arrives in China

GAC Toyota (GAC Group & Toyota’s joint venture) has introduced a special edition Camry in China. Known as the Camry Glorious Edition, the sedan retails for 202,800 yuan and is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine and an e-motor.

2025 Cherry 5X launched in China

The end of the year seems pretty exciting for China. Along with Toyota, Chery has launched the Tiggo 5X High Energy Edition SUV. With prices ranging from 69,900 yuan (RM42,807) to 83,900 yuan (RM51,388), the car is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo mill paired with a CVT Unit.

Radar King Kong launched

China will receive a new electric pick-up truck before the end of the year in the form of the Radar King Kong. The EV is offered in seven variants and is priced between 99,800 and 159,800 yuan. Considered a cheap alternative to the RD6, the Radar King Kong shares several similar traits, such as design and cabin setup.

That's a wrap for now. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates on the automotive industry.

Also Read: 5 Features Proton eMAS 7 gets over BYD Atto 3