MotaAuto

14/05/2026

Over 20,000 Proton e.MAS electrified vehicles delivered

The push towards electric mobility, supported and promoted by the government with incentives, which began in 2022 can be said to have been successful. Not only are there many models to choose from over a broad range of prices, but the charging infrastructure has also been developed to cover many important areas.

Malaysian automaker Proton has also supported the initiative by offering EVs at accessible prices under its e.MAS brand dedicated to New Energy Vehicles. And its cumulative sales are a strong indicator of the increasing acceptance of EV by Malaysians.

Over 20,000 units delivered
PRO-NET, which handles the e.MAS brand, reports that it has delivered more than 20,000 electrified vehicles since its first model – the e.MAS 7 – was launched at the end of 2024. The number includes the smaller e.MAS 5 launched at the end of 2025 asl well as the e.MAS 7 PHEV.

JPJ data shows that while the e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5 have been dominant in the EV segment, the e.MAS 7 PHEV has become a significant driver of this volume, securing its position as a high-performing model within the PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) segment since being introduced in February this year.

Best of both worlds
The availability of the e.MAS 7 PHEV offers Malaysians another way to ‘go electric’ as the dual-powertrain provides ‘the best of both worlds’. There’s the advantage of driving on just electric power with the reassurance of the petrol engine being also available if no charging station is near enough when needed.

“As our electric vehicle base continues to grow, it is equally important that we strengthen the ecosystem supporting our customers. Our focus remains on ensuring a reliable, seamless and enjoyable ownership experience that builds long-term confidence in electrified mobility,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET.

Sustaining growth
The company continues to give attention towards the long-term sustainability of this growth by strengthening the infrastructure required to maintain a vehicle population of this size, particularly regarding technical support and service intervals.

To accommodate the increasing number of e.MAS EVs on the road, the current service network has been expanded to 53 dealer operations across the country. This network is supported by 10 dedicated Body and Paint centres, while 3S centres have a target of 40 locations.

This expansion is designed to address the logistical requirements of a growing owner base and to ensure that the ratio of vehicles to service bays remains within acceptable industry standards for maintenance and repairs.

Enhancing aftersales ecosystem
Over the course of the rest of the year, further initiatives will be made to enhance the aftersales ecosystem and the technical readiness of service personnel. PRO-NET is prioritizing the consistency of the ownership experience through improved charging access and faster turnaround times at service centres.

These measures are deemed necessary to support the ongoing shift in the Malaysian automotive market as it transitions from traditional combustion engines to more complex EVs.


Proton e.MAS Cars
Proton e.MAS Penang - Eleganz Lifestyle
Proton e.MAS Kuching - Melinau EV , Vivacity
Proton e.MAS Glenmarie - EON

fans

14/05/2026

Enhancing the Kia ownership experience in Malaysia

Kia has been in the Malaysian market since the 1990s, having been introduced and handled by the NAZA Group up to 2020. During that time, it developed the brand and offered a wide range of models, with some being assembled at its own plant in Kedah and even adapting some Kia models to sell as Naza-branded products.
Under Bermaz, which was the second distributor, the brand progressed towards a premium positioning and continuing with local assembly.

However, it seems that during 2025, the Hyundai Motor Group (which has the Hyundai, Kia and genesis brands) decided it’s time to become directly involved in the Malaysian market. This is a normal evolution in the business, beginning with a local partner doing the work of brand development and establishing a network. When the volume reaches a certain point, then it’s time for the manufacturer to come in and take charge of distribution and marketing.

This is also necessary because local partners are less likely to invest heavily in a brand, knowing that someday they will no longer be a distributor. Some may put in a strong effort, as NAZA did, and some may limit their investments based on the returns they get handling the brand.

In the case of Kia (and also Hyundai), the brand was not making much progress and the market was getting very competitive, especially with the ‘Chinese wave’. Being the brand owners, it was in Kia’s interest to do whatever it takes – including making bigger investments – to strengthen the brand. Hence the establishment of its own subsidiary, Kia Sales Malaysia, which began operations in January this year.

For KSM, it’s almost like starting all over again because the network needs to be sorted out (even though it exists) and more importantly, the brand itself needs to have a stronger presence. It has good products but people need to why they should choose Kia, hence the marketing strategy which asks ‘Why Kia?’.

With Emily Lek as Managing Director, KSM has someone who has been successful at building a brand from scratch. Ms Lek is the one who led the team that introduced OMODA | JAECOO to Malaysia, and the fact that the brand very quickly moved into the Top 5 brands in the market within just a year after entry says a lot about the success of the strategies used.

Now we see the same approaches at Kia which has advantages of having already been around some time but at the same time, it’s not a start-up where ‘trial-and-error’ is acceptable. Expectations would be higher and the market has also become more challenging these days.

Focus on aftersales
One crucial area that is now being focussed on is aftersales – the support given to customers after they have become Kia owners. It is here that the customer’s next car is often determined – a great ownership experience will build loyalty but a bad one will just make the customer consider another brand the next time.

Companies now spend a lot of money in aftersales because that’s where a lot of money is made (rather than on the sale of the car itself). As part of KSM’s strategy to ‘Return, Rebuild, and Reposition’ the Korean brand in Malaysia, it has prioritized the development of its aftersales network with a number of initiatives. These are aimed at ensuring every Kia owner will have a great experience that makes them want to stay with the brand (preferably for life).

Kia Ownership Experience
This week (until May 17), KSM is having the Kia Ownership Experience at its flagship 3S centre in Glenmarie, Selangor. This is an existing Kia facility formerly operated by Bermaz which will be operated by Cycle & Carriage, a newly appointed authorised dealer.

“Through the Kia Ownership Experience, we aim to build closer relationships with our customers while supporting measurable improvements in our aftersales offerings across our growing network,” said KSM President & CEO , Hyung Ho Kim.

This campaign will enable KSM to connect and re-connect with existing owners and show them what they can expect and get from improved aftersales services. This will help rebuild trust among owners who have experienced varying levels of support in the past.

KSM says that owners of all models - going right back to the 1990s - are invited to bring their vehicles in for inspection. Participating customers with confirmed appointments in the Kia Ownership Experience will receive complimentary engine oil, original Kia windscreen wipers and a car wash following their inspection.

The inspection team will include Hyung Gyu Choi, a master technician from Kia with over 30 years of experience with the products. He has come from Korea specially for this campaign and provide guidance to upgrade technical standards. His presence indicates that KSM’s efforts are not merely local marketing exercises but are part of a standardized global audit of service quality.

The models accepted for inspections go as far back as the Sephia and Spectra, two of the earliest Kia models in Malaysia. Ms Lek also confirmed that those models which were sold under the Naza brand would also be accepted as they are recognised as Kia products.

Customers will find that the service process itself has been restructured into a 10-step sequence, moving from the initial appointment through to a technical consultation and final follow-up. This methodology removes the ambiguity often associated with maintenance, providing a consistent and transparent experience. By formalizing these steps, Kia is attempting to create a measurable framework for customer satisfaction that can be assessed and improved upon over time.

Parts delivered fast
Aftersales support also relies heavily on parts availability. KSM has identified that parts availability and supply times are the primary friction points in the ownership cycle. By having a central part warehouse, this will be addressed and reduce the time a vehicle remains in a service centre during major repairs.

At this time, there is no dedicated Body & Paint (B&P) facility for repairs and repainting but it will soon be established. “Our dealers can provide B&P services but we will have a dedicated facility to provide such services with the high standards of Kia,” Ms Lek said.

Financial predictability in maintenance
KSM has also announced the introduction of the Kia Maintenance Plan, designed to provide owners with greater convenience, predictable servicing costs, and long-term peace of mind.

The Plan locks in servicing costs throughout the coverage period which means that price increases in parts (usually inevitable over the years) will not have an effect. You pay in advance (plans start from RM3,680 for up to 5 years) with the cost usually included in your H-P loan amount, and in the long-term, you’re likely to save some money.

The Kia Maintenance Plan is presently offered to owners of the latest Sportage and Carnival although it would be expanded to other models over time. It covers essential wear-and-tear items including synthetic oils, filtration systems, and sparkplugs, effectively transferring the risk of inflation from the consumer to the service centre.

Total ownership costs
This shift toward a more robust aftersales ecosystem is indicative of a broader industry trend where brands must compete on the total cost of ownership rather than just the initial purchase price. For KSM, the success of this strategy will depend on the consistent ex*****on of these service standards across its growing dealer network.

As the brand continues to reposition itself, technical proficiency and service quality will be the deciding factor how fast it becomes a preferred brand in the competitive landscape.


KIA MALAYSIA

fans

13/05/2026

Here are the first pictures of Kia's new truck - the Tasman... in Malaysia (at Kia's training centre). Is it coming? Kia Malaysia won't say but would like to hear your comments.


KIA MALAYSIA

12/05/2026

Volkswagen Golf GTI EDITION 50 is the fastest front-wheel drive production model on the Nurburgring Nordschleife

The Volkswagen GTI put ‘GTI’ in the vocabulary of enthusiasts 50 years ago, pioneering the concept of the ‘hot hatch’. And while there have been other ‘GTI’ models, the GTI associated with the Golf is considered the genuine item, with over 2.5 million units produced to date.

While it began as a specialized project focused on merging front-wheel drive (FWD) practicality with precise chassis tuning, the nameplate has evolved into a global symbol of accessible performance with daily usability. This has served as the foundation for every generation, allowing the model to adapt to continuously advanced its technology without losing its core identity.

The EDITION 50 released on its 50th anniversary proves that the GTI’s original recipe can still set the definitive standard for hot hatches by being the fastest FWD production model on the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

The Nurburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) is the legendary 20.832-km circuit characterized by massive elevation changes, jumps, and high-speed sections. Opened in 1927 for racing, it quickly became the place to test a vehicle's mechanical durability and chassis engineering. This is the track often referred to as ‘The Green Hell’, and manufacturers often use it for production car speed and tuning.

Volkswagen brought the EDITION 50 to the Nurburgring Nordschleife and it set the new record with a lap time of 7:44.523. The achievement is not merely a matter of incremental gains but a significant demonstration of how modern chassis dynamics can overcome the inherent physics of a front-heavy platform during high-velocity directional changes.

Engineering the EDITION 50 required a focused departure from the standard GTI architecture to handle the increased output of 325 ps. The technical core of the car utilizes a MacPherson front axle paired with a sophisticated 4-link rear set-up. But it is the integration of the DCC adaptive chassis control which provides the precision for track-specific demands.

In its record-setting configuration, the ride height was reduced by a total of 20 mm compared to a standard Golf, creating a lower centre of gravity that directly translated to reduced body roll through the complex technical sectors of the North Loop.

Weight management and unsprung mass played a critical role; the inclusion of 19-inch forged alloy wheels sharpens steering response, while the titanium R-Performance exhaust system provides a reduction in mass at the rear end.

These components work in tandem with Bridgestone Potenza Race semi-slick tyres, which were essential for maintaining lateral grip through the high-compression carousel and the high-speed stretches where the limited top speed of 270 km/h was reached.

The legend of the GTI was built on the premise that a practical hatchback could provide a tactile connection to the road without the compromises of a dedicated sportscar. Over 50 years, that philosophy has matured from a 110 hp marketing experiment into a sophisticated performance machine capable of challenging the lap times of dedicated supercars from the previous decade.

Driver Benjamin Leuchter noted that the neutrality of the EDITION 50 set-up was the deciding factor in handling the bumps and elevation changes of the Nordschleife. Unlike many high-output FWD cars that suffer from aggressive understeer under load, the EDITION 50 utilizes its electronic differential and specific suspension geometry to maintain a tighter line.

The ability of the chassis to absorb the violent vertical loads of the Pflanzgarten section while remaining stable enough for a 5.3-second sprint to 100 km/h indicates a high degree of calibration between the mechanical hardware and software dampening.

The historical significance of producing over 2.5 million units of the GTI provides a backdrop for the technical data. Each generation has served as a technological snapshot of its era, moving from simple fuel injection to the complex thermal management and turbocharged power delivery of today. The EDITION 50 demonstrates the maximum expression of the EA888 engine's capabilities within the constraints of a FWD production chassis.

By securing the Nordschleife record, this Volkswagen model ensures that the 50th year of the nameplate is defined by measurable mechanical dominance rather than just historical reflection.


Volkswagen Puchong

fans

12/05/2026

Doc’s Drive: BYD Sealion 7 Premium RWD/Performance AWD
By Dr. Long SP

BYD, the top New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer in the world, has been involved in a controversy with MITI which will affect its future presence in Malaysia. If there is no resolution, then Malaysians will be denied of its current range of models and pay high prices for a BYD.

Quite likely, BYD will offer some expensive models at or above the minimum price set by MITI and one of them could be an even more premium version of the Sealion 7. This is the flagship premium, high-performance electric SUV currently available in two guises: Premium RWD (RM184,835) and Performance AWD (RM201,465).

The Sealion 7 Performance AWD
Thanks to BYD Sime Motors, both were available for me to test and I’ll start with the Sealion 7 Performance AWD. This EV exudes a premium edgy look at the front, rounded at the rear, complemented with softer curves along with countless soft touch surfaces on the inside. It has definitely got road presence with its wide stance and wide tracks.

Also standard are huge 20-inch alloys shod with decidedly high performance 245/45/R20 Michelin Pilot Sport EV rubbers. Grippy donuts with chunky blocks of treads – though a bit noisy – with stiff sidewall flexing very little when cornering hard.

Along with an electronic torque-vectoring gadgetry named Intelligence Torque Adaptation Control activated, you will be hard pressed to find the Sealion 7 AWD flustered into and out of corners. The amount of sure-footed traction experienced is unbelievable for a heavy EV of about 2.3 tonnes. Meanwhile, ride comfort is good, with generous space both front and back in the cabin enhancing cruising comfort.

From the driver’s seat
In my opinion, the steering response could be a little quicker, for better agility. Also, the steering wheel design could be a little more sporty, less-limo like, of 3 spokes perhaps? The dashboard is less flamboyant (read: curvy and wavy) than the other Ocean series models like the ATTO 3 and Seal.

The 15.6-inch rotating screen is a little gimmicky but it is nicely hooked up to a 12-speakers DYNAUDIO sound system – delivering clear, immersive and reasonably punchy sound. Not the best in business but adequately pampering the soul and mood.

Highway manners
In my years of sampling Chinese vehicles, I have found that they all offer good highway cruising stability under 120 km/h. The Sealion 7 Performance is no exception. Only should you decide to push higher velocity, then you will experience the obvious lack of body control on choppy road surfaces versus legacy-branded Continental models. Definitely, its Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) suspension is tuned for softer ride comfort.

Standstill to 100 km/h can be done in just 4.5 seconds with a mature calibration of the throttle linearity. There was no violent or stomach-churning lurch, even when driven in Sports mode. The electric drivetrain generates 530 ps and 690 Nm which is managed reasonably to reach the road.

The RWD Sealion 7 Premium
However, the RWD Sealion 7 Premium feels more agile, smoother and quieter on the run. It is also easier to drive with a more fluid, sweeter handling. Perhaps the original Continental EcoContact 6 staggered sizes of 235/50/R19 front and 255/45/R19 rear afford some wonderful road-holding trickery here.

Braking power is very commendable – I would say it’s the best among all the BYD vehicles sold in Malaysia. Despite being put in a HIGH regen braking setting, the ride is still calm and comfortable.

How far?
Now to the range. The Sealion 7 Performance AWD has claimed 532 kms per full battery but I had to ‘refuel’ twice to achieve that distance. What I noticed was that the it’s very high on electricity consumption at 19.9 kWh/100 kms at best, to a worst of 24.5 kWh/100kms. The Sealion Premium RWD is slightly better at 17.9 to 19.5 kWh/100 kms.

Both Sealion 7 RWD and AWD readily accept 11kW AC home charging, a rarity in all other BYD cars in Malaysia (7kW single-phase charging). For outstation trips, it is capable of 150 kW DC fast charging, completing 10% to 80% top-up in about 30 minutes.

Which one to buy?
In summary, the Sealion 7 Performance is quite compelling in Malaysia’s EV premium segment with its stomping performance at a competitive price (at this time). It is an attractive choice for those who love their ICE SUVs and are looking to make the switch to fully electric.

Logically though, the lower-priced Sealion 7 RWD is the one I would pick, since it isn’t daily that you’d want that 4.5-second sprint capability. The Sealion Premium’s 6.7 seconds is good enough and both SUVs come equipped with similar 82.56 kWh Blade battery packs.

Both Sealion 7 AWD and RWD are similarly specced to the brim, with the one with single-motor (RWD) being more forgiving (less range anxiety) more so should you decide to drive in a more spirited manner.

The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are not necessarily shared by MotaAuto.com.



BYD Cars Malaysia | BYD Sime Beyond Auto
BYD Seremban - Millennium Autobeyond
BYD Sisma Auto

fans

11/05/2026

Locally-assembled Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe Nightfall Edition, priced from RM519,000

Dark themes seem to be the in-thing these days and following the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz GLA Nightfall Edition. Earlier, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia now adds the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe as a second member of the Nightfall Edition.

This latest offering follows a specific design trajectory established by the company, reinforcing a strategy to offer high-performance models with more aggressive, darkened appearance.

In the case of the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe, the Nightfall edition represents a shift toward a more ‘sinister’ visual presence while maintaining the technical specifications of the SUV with performance enhanced by Mercedes-AMG.

While the GLA-based model focused on bringing a dark-theme to the brand’s compact SUV segment, the GLC 43 Coupe applies these cues to a larger, more powerful platform. This move suggests a growing demand among local buyers for cars with customization by the factory rather than having aftermarket accessories.

Visually, the Nightfall Edition is distinguished by the inclusion of the AMG Night Package Exterior II, which builds upon the standard blacked-out trim with even more comprehensive detailing. The radiator grille slats, fender model designations, and rear badging — including The Star — are all finished in dark chrome. These subtle changes reduce reflections on the bodywork, creating a cohesive, monochromatic look.

Further exterior refinements include a specialized AMG fuel filler cap finished in silver chrome with black AMG lettering, providing a small point of contrast against the darker bodywork.

Standard equipment for this edition also includes Digital Light headlamp technology, which manages light distribution dynamically to provide the best illumination at all times. The vehicle sits on 21-inch AMG Y-spoke light-alloy wheels, which house silver-painted brake calipers.

The Nightfall Edition retains the M139l 2-litre 4-cylinder engine which has an electric exhaust gas turbocharger derived from Formula 1 technology. The power unit, built by one person, produces 421 hp/500 Nm. Output is boosred with assistance from a 48V mild-hybrid system that provides an additional 14 hp during high-load situations.

The driving dynamics are further managed by a rear-axle steering system that can turn the wheels up to 2.5 degrees, improving low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.

Inside, the cabin environment is defined by ARTICO man-made leather upholstery and AMG carbonfibre trim elements. To complement the mechanical soundtrack, the vehicle is equipped with the AMG Real Performance Sound system, allowing occupants to choose between different acoustic profiles via the MBUX infotainment interface.

Pricing for the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe Nightfall Edition starts from RM518,888 (without insurance).



Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
Cycle & Carriage Malaysia
Hap Seng Star
Mercedes-Benz - NZ Wheels

fans

11/05/2026

DENZA B8 to be unveiled this month

The DENZA B8 luxury SUV will most likely be launched at the KL International Mobility Show in June but prior to that, on May 21, DENZA Malaysia will be unveiling the new model.

DENZA Malaysia dealers are accepting registrations in interest for now and orders should be accepted from the unveiling day.

Using the BYD Group’s advanced electrified technology platform, the DENZA B8 will offer a new level of integration between powertrain and chassis control.

To know more, click on the link in the comments or view the technical highlights in the infographic.


DENZA Malaysia
Denza Sime Motors
DENZA Sisma Auto

fans

11/05/2026

Production of Tesla Model X and Model S has ended

In a short post on X (Twitter), Tesla announced that the final units of the Model S and Model X have left the assembly line at the Fremont factory in California.

This marks the conclusion of a defining chapter for the electric vehicle manufacturer which, along with Nissan (with the LEAF), was early into the high-volume EV transition.

AI and robotics
The move this week sees Tesla shifting from its roots of being primarily an automaker towards a future which will centre on artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics.

The discontinuation follows a period of declining market share for the aging flagships models. In 2025, the Model S and Model X combined accounted for around just 3% of Tesla’s total global deliveries, a huge contrast to the volume-driving Model 3 and Model Y.

During the final months of production, Tesla’s ‘Other Models’ category – the Cybertruck and Semi – saw quarterly deliveries fall as low as 10,394 units. Despite a mid-2025 refresh, sales failed to rebound against newer luxury competitors from Porsche and Lucid.

Elon Musk regards the retirement of the two models – which had first established the brand’s credibility – as an ‘honourable discharge’. The Model S, launched in 2012, and the Model X, which followed in 2015, were instrumental in proving the viability of high-performance electric powertrains.

MotaAuto on X {Twitter)

Switch to robot production
The space vacated by the S and X lines is already being configured for the mass production of the Optimus humanoid robot. Tesla aims to reach a production capacity of 1 million robots annually at the factory, with manufacturing expected to begin from July 2026.

While custom orders for the flagship vehicles are no longer being accepted, the company has confirmed it will maintain software support and parts availability for the existing global fleet.

The departure of these models leaves the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck as the primary pillars of Tesla’s automotive line-up. With the flagship production lines now dark, the company’s focus shifts entirely to the next phase of its evolution: autonomous transport and physical AI.

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

Dunlop tyres to see revitalization in Malaysia

Dunlop has long been a well known name in Malaysia, the first brand of tyres to be made locally. However, during the 1980s, following a change of ownership of the company, its presence diminished due to less dedicated marketing activities.

Now, the brand will see revitalization in the Malaysian market with the appointment of Toyotsu Binter Malaysia Sdn Bhd (TBM) as an exclusive distributor. This development was highlighted during the recent Penang Autoshow 2026 where the brand had a booth to show its latest tyre offerings.

TBM, which operates under the Toyota Tsusho Corporation (the global trading and logistics arm of the Toyota Group) network, is tasked with growing the brand’s footprint asa part of an integrated regional strategy.

This comes with Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ acquisition of the exclusive right to the use of the Dunlop trademark in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei from January 2026. This right was previously granted under a sub-licence to Continental Tyre Malaysia. Before that, there were also other parties holding rights to the Dunlop brand name in other regions.

More Dunlop dealers
Initially, TBM will be focussing on resolving supply consistency and expanding the current network of over 190 authorized wholesalers and trade partners around the country.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Dunlop in Malaysia. Our focus is on strengthening supply consistency, expanding dealer reach and ensuring Malaysian motorists benefit from Dunlop’s latest global tyre technologies, including products developed to support the shift towards electrified mobility,” said TMB Managing Director, Marcus Lim.

Specialized service concepts
Besides better product availability across Peninsular Malaysia, further expansion into East Malaysian markets is planned over the next 2 years. This logistical overhaul is intended to support a broader retail strategy that may eventually include specialized service concepts designed to elevate the brand’s technical positioning.

A significant component of this renewed direction is the closer alignment with Sumitomo Rubber Industries and its global engineering standards. By leveraging Toyotsu Binter’s regional experience in other ASEAN markets, the distributor aims to introduce products that are specifically suited for Southeast Asian road conditions.

This collaboration is expected to facilitate a faster roll-out of global tyre technologies, bridging the gap between international product cycles and local market availability for both replacement and original equipment sectors.

The shift towards electrified mobility also sees the brand’s updated catalogue having tyres designed for EVs, as evidenced by the introduction of the Blue Response TG. This passenger car tyre has been engineered for EVs with attributes such as lower rolling resistance and improved cabin acoustics.

More products will be added in due course, all incorporating specialized technologies to cater to the requirements of high-performance and electric vehicles. This reflects a long-term commitment to move beyond basic retail to a more specialized service-oriented approach.

History of Dunlop in Malaysia
Dunlop tyres have been sold in Malaysia for over 110 years, having been among the items imported by Sime Darby as part of its trading activities. As motorisation grew after World War II, sales of tyres also increased and by the early 1960s, it was time to make tyres locally.

Dunlop Malayan Industries Berhad (later becoming DMIB Berhad) was established by Sime Darby in 1961 and opened the first tyre factory in Malaysia. It was located in the light industrial area of Petaling Jaya, then a new township being opened up in Selangor.

When the government began to develop the domestic auto industry in the mid-1960s, it invited automakers to assemble their vehicles in Malaysia. At the same time, efforts were made to also develop an ecosystem of local part manufacturers to support the assembly plants. An initial list of 19 items was formulated which were to be deleted from the CKD packs (the boxes in which the car parts were brought in for assembly) and sourced from local companies. To persuade the car companies to use these locally-made items, the tax on similar items imported was higher.

As DMIB was already making tyres, those were immediately included on the deletion list, along with paint, windscreen glass, batteries and 15 other items.

Dunlop tyres became a household name among Malaysians, with a variety of different tyres to suit different vehicles. Commercial vehicle operators also appreciated Dunlop tyres, especially for the heavy logging trucks, because they proved to be very tough and long-lasting.

Dunlop tyres were also a popular choice for racing drivers. In particular, the Formula 70 SP Sport was the preferred choice for those racing in the Series Production class in the 1970s. The tyres had superior wet grip, thanks to the ‘aquajets’ developed by Dunlop in 1962. These were channels in the tread that allowed water to quickly be removed from under the tyres.

DMIB followed industry trends and offered new products with the latest technologies that gave improved performance. When radial, low-profile and steel-belted tyres appeared, Malaysian motorists also got them.

The decline of the original Dunlop Rubber Company led to ownership changes in the second half of the 1980s, affecting operations in Malaysia as well. Production of Dunlop tyres ceased and the factory would later (in early 2000s) begin producing Continental tyres.


Dunlop Tyres Malaysia

fans