Malaysia Autoshow 2025 Opens With Record EV Participation and ASEAN Focus

The Malaysia Autoshow 2025 was officially launched on 8 May 2025 at MAEPS in Serdang, marking a significant milestone in the country’s mobility sector with its largest-ever participation of electric vehicles and an ambitious ASEAN-wide vision for transportation innovation.

The automotive exhibition, organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), has drawn over 200 exhibitors and features more than 500 vehicles across 50,000 square metres. This year’s event showcases a record number of electric vehicles in both passenger and two-wheeler segments, positioning itself as the region’s premier platform for exploring the future of transportation.

The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, officiated the launch ceremony, describing the Autoshow as a strategic milestone in Malaysia’s journey to becoming a hub for sustainable, next-generation mobility.

“The resilience of Malaysia’s automotive sector hinges on deeper regional supply chain integration. By fostering complementary supply chains and developing markets within ASEAN, we can significantly boost production efficiency, reduce dependence on external markets, as well as build a more agile and robust automotive ecosystem.”

YB Senator Tengku Zafrul

“As Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia is proud to drive ASEAN’s e-mobility agenda. Malaysia’s strengths in this sector, combined with MAS 2025’s exciting showcase platform, will help us position ourselves strongly as a hub for green and next-gen mobility solutions for the world,” he added.

The event aligns with Malaysia’s broader economic strategy, supporting the National Automotive Policy (NAP) and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). The Minister emphasised that the autoshow represents the national shift from traditional manufacturing to a high-value, innovation-led industrial base, while complementing the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in fostering clean energy adoption and reducing transport sector emissions.

Interactive Experience and Model Launches

Unlike traditional automotive exhibitions, MAS 2025 offers a dynamic experience where consumers can interact directly with vehicles through test drives and comparative analysis across multiple segments. The event serves as both a launchpad and testbed for more than 70 new model launches, including cars, motorcycles, EVs, and innovative mobility solutions.

“The Autoshow is a key enabler in MARii’s mission to drive technology adoption, build industry capacity, and promote long-term sustainability,” said MARii CEO, Azrul Reza Aziz. “Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the full automotive ecosystem, from learning about cutting-edge technology to test driving and even purchasing vehicles on-site. It’s all part of our commitment to shifting the future of mobility.”

Record-Breaking Test Drive Zone

The Malaysia Autoshow 2025 has achieved recognition from ASEAN Records as the “Largest Outdoor Obstacle Test Drive Zone at an Autoshow — 5.1 Kilometers of Purpose-Built Trail.” The venue features five kilometers of purpose-built test tracks where visitors can experience over 100 vehicles, from internal combustion engines to EVs, motorcycles, and off-road 4x4s across simulated real-world conditions.

The test facilities include:

  • Car test tracks with long and short corners, elevation changes, and specialized sections for evaluating ADAS systems and reverse cameras
  • Improved motorcycle test ride tracks with new sections for testing agility and long stretches of uphill and downhill straights
  • A new 4×4 Experience layout with nine obstacles, including steep hill descent, rock crawl, water wading, and axle twister

Malaysia’s automotive sector continues to show strong performance, with a Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 816,747 units in 2024, ranking the country second in Southeast Asia and 23rd globally. The electric vehicle segment is experiencing rapid growth, with nearly 9,850 electric and hybrid vehicles sold in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

The autoshow has attracted 103 major brands across automotive, motorcycle, accessories, and financial services sectors, including luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, alongside local manufacturers Proton and Perodua.

Special Attractions and Activities

Beyond vehicle displays, the event offers comprehensive programming including:

  • Car Modified Showcase and Motorsport Showcase featuring standout builds and high-performance machines
  • Car & Bike Gatherings for community engagement
  • Automotive Education & Career Day for students and job seekers
  • Women’s Day celebration highlighting achievements in driving and motorsports
  • Presentations by prominent figures including racing driver Jazeman Jaafar, solo globe motorcyclist Anita Yusof, and motorsport athletes Sharina and Afifah Richie
  • Malaysia’s largest Tesla Light Show
  • ASEAN Automotive Intervarsity Debate addressing regional mobility issues
  • Konsert Rentak Elektrik, powered by BYD

The event also features special exhibitions including Cars of the Year showcase, cutting-edge connected vehicle technologies, and the conclusion of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025, a 9,000km regional convoy.

Malaysia Autoshow 2025 is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), component suppliers, industry leaders, and the general public. Visitors have opportunities to win prizes through various activities, including a grand prize of a brand-new vehicle.

The autoshow continues at MAEPS Serdang through 15 May 2025. Tickets and additional information are available at www.autoshow.my


Nissan Showcases Award-Winning Kicks E-Power with IMPUL Edition at Malaysia Autoshow 2025

  • Mr Khoo & Mr Daniel posed with the New Nissan KICKS e-POWER IMPUL Edition
  • The best-selling MPV, the Nissan Serena Premium Highway Star Complete J IMPUL
  • Nissan Almera Turbo KURO (Black) Edition with a special dual-tone body colour of Monash Orange and Super Black make exclusive appearance
  • Special KICKS e-POWER with a striking dual-tone body colour of Dark Metal Grey and Red showcased
  • The rugged Nissan Navara PRO-4X fitted with Ironman accessories
  • The rugged Nissan Navara PRO-4X fitted with Ironman accessories
  • Nissan Navara wild wheel challenge on 10th & 11th May during the weekend of the show
  • Nissan Navara wild wheel challenge on 10th & 11th May during the weekend of the show

Nissan’s award-winning KICKS e-POWER compact SUV and its new IMPUL special edition variant are headlining the Japanese automaker’s display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, as the company celebrates its recent recognition as Vehicle of the Year and opens bookings for a limited-edition performance variant.

The Nissan KICKS e-POWER, unveiled in December 2024, has been honoured with the DSF.my-Allianz Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) 2025 award, triumphing over a record number of new electrified models launched during the same period. The compact SUV combines electric motor performance with conventional hybrid technology, eliminating the need for plug-in charging.

The recognition marks a significant milestone for Nissan’s e-POWER technology, which delivers 100% electric motor drive while using a petrol engine solely as a generator. This unique hybrid system has resonated with Malaysian consumers seeking the benefits of electric propulsion without charging infrastructure concerns.

“Since its introduction late last year, the Nissan KICKS e-POWER has made positive inroads in the highly-competitive compact SUV segment, and the reception and sales momentum of this technologically-advanced 100% electric motor-driven compact SUV has been encouraging. The recent recognition as ‘Vehicle of the Year’ by DSF.my Allianz VOTY 2025 further validates the strength of Nissan’s e-POWER technology — proving it to be a compelling alternative among today’s diverse electrification solutions.”

Mr. Khoo Cheng Pah, Chief Executive Officer of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd.

IMPUL Edition Now Available for Booking

In conjunction with the autoshow, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially opened nationwide bookings for the new Nissan KICKS e-POWER IMPUL Edition. Customer deliveries are expected to begin in July 2025.

The IMPUL Edition represents a collaboration with renowned Japanese aftermarket tuner IMPUL Japan, featuring a comprehensive aesthetic and performance upgrade package priced at RM8,500, available for all KICKS e-POWER variants.

The enhancement package includes:

  • IMPUL Aerokit comprising front and rear bumper spoilers, side-skirt aero garnish, and a distinctive IMPUL bonnet emblem (RM5,000)
  • Japan-made IMPUL Aura SX-50 18-inch alloy wheels in Bronze Clear Polish finish
  • Sport performance Goodyear Eagle F1 Sport tyres (225/45 R18)
  • Aerodynamically-sculptured roof spoiler

The complete wheel and tyre upgrade is available for RM3,500, with only 50 vehicle sets limited worldwide. All IMPUL accessories come with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty.

As part of an early bird promotion, customers purchasing the Nissan KICKS e-POWER IMPUL Edition will receive a complimentary IMPUL Aerokit upgrade, including additional accessories such as door visors, trunk tray, door handle protectors, kicking plates, sport pedals, and speaker trim covers.

The promotion also includes variant-specific enhancements, with VL variants receiving ICE COOL tinting and VLT variants getting V-KOOL security film tinting, plus additional features like dual-channel camera driving-video recorder and auto-dimming rear view mirror with reverse camera.

Autoshow Display and Activities

Nissan’s presence at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 extends beyond the IMPUL Edition showcase. Located at Booth A01 in Hall A at MAEPS Serdang, the Nissan pavilion also features:

  • A special dual-tone KICKS e-POWER in Dark Metal Grey and Red
  • Nissan Almera Turbo KURO (Black) Edition with Monash Orange and Super Black dual-tone finish
  • Nissan Navara PRO-4X fitted with Ironman accessories
  • Nissan Serena Premium Highway Star Complete J IMPUL

Test Drive Opportunities

Visitors can experience all the displayed Nissan models through test drives available throughout the event period from 9-15 May 2025. Additionally, the autoshow features the “Wild Wheels Challenge – Nissan Navara Off-Road Challenge” on 10 and 11 May, where visitors can experience the Navara’s off-road capabilities with professional drivers.

The KICKS e-POWER’s success represents Nissan’s commitment to electrification in the Malaysian market, where hybrid and electric vehicles are gaining popularity amid rising fuel costs and environmental awareness. The model’s e-POWER system offers the performance benefits of electric drive while addressing range anxiety concerns common with fully electric vehicles.

For more information about the Nissan KICKS e-POWER and other Nissan models, head over to www.nissan.com.my

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Photo credits: Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii), respective brands, and the author’s own using the vivo X200

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