Chery 13 Jan OJ 19 Jan 12 Mazda CX 5 14 OJ

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21641/16882740/download-(73).jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16882740" alt="download-(73).jpg">


The <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/12/wce-six-new-toll-plazas-planned-along-melakas-69-km-stretch" target="_blank" style="">West Coast Expressway (WCE)</a> is preparing for a sharp rise in traffic during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, with daily vehicle volume expected to reach 160,000, marking a 35% increase compared to last year.Its managing director Lyndon Alfred Felix said the highway recorded an average of 120,000 vehicles per day during the same festive week in 2025. <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/11/wce-reports-48-jump-in-toll-revenue-eyes-full-completion-by-2027" target="_blank" style="">This year’s projected surge is driven by school holidays and the start of Ramadan</a>, which coincides with the Chinese New Year celebrations and is expected to intensify interstate travel.


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21641/16882741/WCE-Section-11-Taiping-South-Beruas-6-630x354.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16882741" alt="WCE-Section-11-Taiping-South-Beruas-6-630x354.jpeg"> 

"The expressway has evolved beyond being merely an alternative route. He noted that WCE now plays a crucial role in easing congestion along the west coast corridor, especially during peak festive seasons<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">"To support the expected increase in traffic, several operational measures have been put in place. Spare lanes at key toll plazas, including Hutan Melintang, Teluk Intan, Lekir and Taiping Selatan, have been activated to improve toll transaction efficiency during peak hours," he said during the launch of the Road Safety Awareness Campaign recently.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Traffic Control Centre will operate 24 hours daily, supported by traffic officers and patrol personnel to monitor conditions and respond quickly to emergencies.In line with the Green Mobility initiative, <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/11/court-upholds-land-takeover-for-wce-despite-residents-complaint" target="_blank" style="">WCE has also expanded its electric vehicle charging infrastructure.</a> High-capacity charging stations, installed in collaboration with DC Handal, are now available at the Trong and Taiping Selatan toll plazas in Perak, as well as at SAE and Assam Jawa in Selangor.


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21641/16882742/wce_1722919642.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16882742" alt="wce_1722919642.jpg"> 

Motorcyclist safety remains a priority, with 52 sheltered zones equipped with solar lighting positioned away from the main carriageway, providing safer rest areas for riders.
With traffic expected to peak throughout the festive window, motorists are advised to plan their journeys carefully and anticipate heavier-than-usual conditions along the expressway.

WCE anticipates 160,000 vehicles daily during the Chinese New Year festive rush,  a 35% increase compared to last year.

West Coast Expressway Expects 35% Traffic Surge for CNY

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880098/conversions/Chery-Tiggo7-PHEV-CSH-1-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16880098" alt="Chery-Tiggo7-PHEV-CSH-1.jpg"> <h6 style="text-align: center; ">Chery Malaysia’s 2026 vision will see the automaker launching four new models, and 30% of its sales coming from CSH models.</h6>In case you missed it, <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/02/chery-malaysia-cherish-the-nature-mangrove-restoration-project" target="_blank">Chery Malaysia</a> has laid out its <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/01/chery-malaysia-outlines-2026-plans-four-new-suvs-confirmed" target="_blank">2026 plans</a>, which will see the automaker launching several new models, as well as setting some ambitious sales goals. This time around, we’ll dive deeper into these ambitious targets and see what Malaysian buyers can expect from the Wuhu-based marque this year.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880100/conversions/Caricarz-MBA-Chery-Tiggo9-PHEV-CSH-CIUS2025-12-full.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16880100" alt="Caricarz-MBA-Chery-Tiggo9-PHEV-CSH-CIUS2025-12.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880099/conversions/Caricarz-MBA-Chery-Tiggo9-PHEV-CSH-CIUS2025-7-full.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16880099" alt="Caricarz-MBA-Chery-Tiggo9-PHEV-CSH-CIUS2025-7.jpg"> <h6 style="text-align: center; ">Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV CSH</h6>We’ll start with the biggest announcement, which is the launch of at least four new models this year, following the debut of the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/01/launched-2026-chery-tiggo-8-new-16t-heart-rm129800" target="_blank">new Chery Tiggo 8</a> earlier this year. Said entry-level three-row SUV will be followed by a new flagship luxury model later in the second quarter of 2026, and all points are showing that this could be the long-awaited <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/04/auto-china-2024-chery-tiggo-9-phev-launched-238hp-1400km-range" target="_blank">Chery Tiggo 9</a>, which was <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/10/chery-tiggo-9-phev-csh-previewed-1400-km-range-launching-in-2026" target="_blank">previewed late last year in China</a>.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880103/conversions/IMG_20260130_191626.jpg-full.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16880103" alt="IMG_20260130_191626.jpg.jpg"> Next in line will be two new additions in Q3 this year, with Chery describing the first one as “offering enhanced performance and versatility,” while the second one will be positioned as a “youthful evolution of the brand’s design direction, created for style-conscious customers seeking individuality and vibrant personality.”Last but not least, Q4 2026 will witness Chery Malaysia launching its final model of the year, which is said to be centred around “the latest advancements in Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology.” ”.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880106/conversions/Chery-Malaysia-Vice-President-Lee-Wen-Hsiang-full.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16880106" alt="Chery-Malaysia-Vice-President-Lee-Wen-Hsiang.jpg"> <h6 style="text-align: center; ">Chery Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang</h6>To go with these product launches, Chery Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang announced that the automaker is anticipating the growth of its <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/07/chery-malaysia-debuts-csh-tech-tiggo-7-phev-tiggo-8-phev-teased-again" target="_blank">CSH electrified models</a> in 2026, with a sales target of up to 30% of its total annual sales this year.“For 2026, we anticipate that our CSH products will grow to represent 30% of our sales mix, driven by rising interest in advanced hybrid vehicles among Malaysians,” he said.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880111/conversions/Caricarz-MBA-Chery-PHEV-MediaDrive-32-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880111" alt="Caricarz-MBA-Chery-PHEV-MediaDrive-32.jpg" style="width: 50%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880112/conversions/Caricarz-MBA-Chery-PHEV-MediaDrive-38-full.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16880112" alt="Caricarz-MBA-Chery-PHEV-MediaDrive-38.jpg"> He also reaffirmed that the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/01/chery-group-crowned-as-best-selling-chinese-suv-brand-globally-in-2025" target="_blank">Tiggo SUV series</a> will remain the core focus for Chery Malaysia’s product strategy in the coming years, along with its CSH technology that will continue to guide the brand’s electrified transition.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880145/conversions/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-30-at-10.50.47-PM-(1)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16880145" alt="WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-30-at-10.50.47-PM-(1).jpg"> Beyond the new products, Chery Malaysia is also looking forward to further strengthening its local network footprint, which currently comprises 59 sales centres, 54 aftersales facilities, and 25 body and paint (B&amp;P) outlets across the country.Rather than expanding excessively, the Wuhu-based automaker will take a more strategic step by focusing on strengthening the capabilities of its existing outlets to ensure that each Chery outlet in Malaysia can deliver the same high service quality and better operational consistency.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880115/conversions/Chery-Perai-4SCentre-2-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16880115" alt="Chery-Perai-4SCentre-2.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21636/16880116/conversions/Chery-Perai-4SCentre-1-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16880116" alt="Chery-Perai-4SCentre-1.jpg"> <h6 style="text-align: center; ">Chery Perai flagship 4S centre, featuring Chery's latest Generation 4 showroom design.</h6>Among the steps taken is the introduction of Chery’s Generation 4 showroom design, with the first outlet adopting this latest corporate identity (CI) being the Chery Perai outlet. This revamped flagship 4S centre now features a more premium and modern presence with the updated Chery logo included.This CI update rollout will be gradually made across all of Chery Malaysia’s outlets, with future 3S and 4S centres set to adopt the new Generation 4 identity as part of the brand’s long-term commitment to improve its customer experience.

Chery Malaysia’s 2026 vision will see the automaker launching four new models, and 30% of its sales coming from CSH models.

Chery Malaysia’s 2026 Plans Detailed – Four New Models, 30% CSH Sales, Gen 4 Outlet

<h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880144/conversions/Zeekr-7X-OffRoad-Sepang-MBA-12-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880144" alt="Zeekr-7X-OffRoad-Sepang-MBA-12.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">2026 is poised to be a big year for the Zeekr brand in Malaysia as revealed by Eddy Lu, GM of Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia (Zeekr Malaysia) last night.</div></h6> At its Chinese New Year press dinner held last night, Zeekr Malaysia confirmed plans to energise its local line-up further in 2026 with three new offerings.The plans were detailed by Eddy Lu, General Manager of <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/zeekr-group-establishes-national-sales-company-in-malaysia" target="_blank">Zeekr Intelligent Technology Malaysia (Zeekr Malaysia).</a> <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880150/conversions/web_caricarz_TA_Zeekr-Malaysia-2026-Plans_-6-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880150" alt="web_caricarz_TA_Zeekr-Malaysia-2026-Plans_-6.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">three new models will be introduced this year by Zeekr Malaysia.</div></h6> Said three models were not named outright, but Lu instead showed them as veiled silhouettes in his presentation, each bearing rather apt tags – ‘compact premium SUV refresh’, ‘luxury redefined’ and ‘the new flagship’.The first two were easy enough to deduce, and they are the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/09/uprated-489-hp-zeekr-x-revealed-in-china-will-malaysia-get-it" target="_blank">updated 2026MY Zeekr X,</a> followed perhaps by the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/04/zeekr-009-grand-gains-collectors-edition-special-featuring-real-gold-trims" target="_blank">Zeekr 009 Grand</a> – an even more high-end guise of <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/launched-zeekr-009-executive-2wd-604km-wltp-range-rm299800" target="_blank">the marque’s current flagship EV MPV offering</a> that features a four-seat layout. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880191/conversions/2025041915341983-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880191" alt="2025041915341983.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 50%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880196/conversions/2025041915342384-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880196" alt="2025041915342384.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 50%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880202/conversions/Zeekr-X-Malaysia-9-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880202" alt="Zeekr-X-Malaysia-9.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two of the three new incoming models should include a new higher-end (four-seat) guise of the Zeekr 009 (top) and the upgraded Zeekr X compact crossover (above).</div></h6> The third offering is a brand-new addition to the marque’s local line-up. Given what’s hinted in its label, we’re certain this will be the new <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/zeekr-9x-phev-specs-unveiled-up-to-1381-hp-70-kwh-battery" target="_blank">Zeekr 9X </a>– the Geely-owned premium brand’s all-new flagship luxury SUV featuring a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) heart.<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/03/zeekr-9x-grand-revealed-in-china-as-brands-flagship-suv" target="_blank">Introduced late last year,</a> the Zeekr 9X also stands as the marque’s first offering to harness an internal combustion engine (ICE) under its hood rated with outputs of 1,400 hp and 1,410 Nm. In turn, this behemoth will despatch 0-100 km/h dashes in just 3.1 secs. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880226/conversions/web_CariCarz_Auto-Shanghai-2025_Zeekr-9X_-3-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880226" alt="web_CariCarz_Auto-Shanghai-2025_Zeekr-9X_-3.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880223/conversions/Zeekr-7X-OffRoad-Sepang-MBA-7-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880223" alt="Zeekr-7X-OffRoad-Sepang-MBA-7.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 50%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880224/conversions/Zeekr-7X-OffRoad-Sepang-6-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880224" alt="Zeekr-7X-OffRoad-Sepang-6.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 50%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also set to arrive in 2026 is the new Zeekr 9X PHEV flagship SUV (top) and a locally built (CKD) version of the Zeekr 7X mid-sized EV SUV (above).</div></h6> Of course, that’s not all. Critically, <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/09/zeekr-tipped-for-local-assembly-at-protons-ahtv-ev-hub" target="_blank">one of the firm’s fully imported offerings will soon be localised (CKD) this year too</a> – specifically the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/02/zeekr-7x-ev-suv-completes-on-off-road-courses-at-sepang-bay-13" target="_blank">Zeekr 7X</a> mid-size EV crossover.Despite confirming all these, Lu had however skirted away from revealing the respective timelines for each.&nbsp; Nevertheless, with all of which confirmed, 2026 is poised to be a pivotal year for the Zeekr marque in Malaysia. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21637/16880227/conversions/web_caricarz_TA_Zeekr-Malaysia-2026-Plans_-4-full.jpg" data-media-id="16880227" alt="web_caricarz_TA_Zeekr-Malaysia-2026-Plans_-4.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, Lu also confirmed plans for Zeekr Malaysia to further expand its local network with more brand outlets plus service centres and B&amp;P centres.</div></h6> Concurrently, besides new products, Zeekr Malaysia is also set to expand its local network further. The firm has targeted to establish a total of 18 <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/new-zeekr-centre-klcc-outlet-officially-opened" target="_blank">brand outlets</a> this year, and it will include 12 service centres plus 9 body and paint (B&amp;P) centres.

Zeekr Malaysia confirm plans to release three new models locally this year, could include 9X as ‘new flagship’ offering too.

Zeekr Malaysia Set To Release Three New Models In 2026

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21631/16879405/DSC_2528-(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16879405" alt="DSC_2528-(4).jpg">


If you’ve been on the Federal Highway, Jalan Duta, or around Mid Valley this week, you know something’s different.<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/govt-mulling-housing-projects-above-train-stations-to-tackle-traffic-jam" target="_blank" style=""> Traffic isn’t just bad. It’s unpredictable, heavy, and seemingly endless</a>. Netizens have taken to social media to vent.

“Traffic has been insanely horrible even after 10pm. What’s going on?”<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Subang to Bangsar South, 17km, took me two and a half hours. Two and a half hours!”<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Even I, a motorcyclist, feel it. It’s that bad.”Across multiple platforms, commuters report short drives that usually take 20–30 minutes now stretching to two or even three hours. <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/01/public-transport-upgrades-congestion-charges-help-ease-traffic-jams" target="_blank" style="">The worst-hit areas? City Centre, Ampang, Kelana Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Puchong, Seri Kembangan, Batu Caves, and Wangsa Maju</a>. Even motorcyclists can’t filter through the jam.


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21631/16879406/Untitled-design---2026-02-13T123406.200.png" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16879406" alt="Untitled-design---2026-02-13T123406.200.png"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why is traffic suddenly so bad?<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Speculation is everywhere. Many point to the festive season overlaps, with Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and the lead-up to Ramadan all happening in February. People are rushing errands, deliveries are being fast-tracked, wet markets are closing for the holidays, and event road closures in the city centre are squeezing key arteries.“The change is sudden. It went from bad to worse overnight. There’s no way everyone bought a car at once,” one user wrote.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“It’s normal. CNY and Ramadan are coming. Lorries, deliveries, errands. It’s all piling up,” another commented.Highway operators report that during the festive period, <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2023/03/govts-initiative-to-lessen-traffic-jams-through-barrier-free-system" target="_blank" style="">traffic volumes on the North–South Expressway could reach 2.2 million vehicles a day, and city closures combined with ongoing rail works only worsen the bottleneck.</a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Congestion in Malaysia isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s an economic drain. According to the World Bank’s Malaysia Economic Monitor and government reports, traffic jams cost the nation RM20 billion a year, roughly RM54 million every day.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Locally, researchers estimate that Klang Valley residents lose over 500 hours a year to traffic, amounting to more than 20 full days of life stuck idling on the road. For businesses, congestion increases operating costs by 15–20%, as delivery windows expand and logistics operators build in buffer time. 


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21631/16879407/HQ130622AA004_1656485342.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16879407" alt="HQ130622AA004_1656485342.jpg"> Photo: NST.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">
Traffic isn’t linear, but it’s like a pressure system. Even a modest reduction in vehicles can unlock major improvements in flow. Experts say that if congestion improves by just 10%, Malaysia could reclaim RM2–4 billion in lost productivity annually without building a single new highway.
This is why demand management is crucial. Cities that implemented congestion pricing alongside reliable public transport saw traffic drop 15–20%. According to Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder &amp; CEO of MY Mobility Vision, pricing alone isn’t enough. People need real alternatives like reliable buses with dedicated lanes, frequent, predictable rail services, seamless first-and-last mile connections, and employer-supported flexible work hours. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21631/16879408/Untitled-design---2026-02-13T123534.192.png" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16879408" alt="Untitled-design---2026-02-13T123534.192.png"> 

While it may feel personal as you inch along Jalan Duta or crawl past Mid Valley, traffic congestion is a national economic issue. The RM54 million lost daily adds up. By 2030, cumulative losses could surpass RM100 billion if nothing changes.

Commuters face unprecedented jams as KL and Selangor grind to a halt this festive season.

Traffic Nightmare Hits Klang Valley, Economy Feels the Burn

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/16877017/conversions/MSU%E2%80%99s-Nurhasliza-Hashim-presents-a-token-of-appreciation-to-Harman-Shah-(right)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16877017" alt="MSU’s-Nurhasliza-Hashim-presents-a-token-of-appreciation-to-Harman-Shah-(right).JPG">


More than 20 young participants were given a rare glimpse into the world of automotive design during a workshop led by<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/02/launched-2026-proton-s70-mc1-4-variants-from-rm68800" target="_blank" style=""> PROTON </a>designers in Subang Jaya.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The session was organised in collaboration with Management &amp; Science University (MSU) and brought together students aged between 15 and 25 for an introduction to automotive styling and basic digital design skills. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> 
Held at an NGO training centre,<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/02/upgraded-2026-proton-s70-open-for-bookings-new-4-cyl-heart-included" target="_blank" style=""> the workshop focused on how creativity and technical thinking come together in the development of a vehicle.</a>


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21625/16877105/Wan-Taqiyyudin-Ahmad-shared-insights-into-the-creative-thinking.JPG" data-media-id="16877105" alt="Wan-Taqiyyudin-Ahmad-shared-insights-into-the-creative-thinking.JPG" style="width: 50%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/16877019/conversions/From-lipstick-to-the-road-%E2%80%94-Ayu-Mastura-reveals-how-beauty-trends-inspire-car-colour-design-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16877019" alt="From-lipstick-to-the-road-—-Ayu-Mastura-reveals-how-beauty-trends-inspire-car-colour-design.JPG"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21625/16877108/Participants-touch-and-feel-samples-of-key-design-elements.JPG" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16877108" alt="Participants-touch-and-feel-samples-of-key-design-elements.JPG"> 

Three automotive designers from PROTON, Ayu Mastura Khamis, Harman Shah Sulaiman and Wan Taqiyyudin Ahmad Was Hussin shared insights into the early stages of car design. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">They walked participants through how elements such as colour schemes, interior materials and overall styling concepts are explored before a model goes into production.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Rather than showcasing finished vehicles, the discussion centred on the design journey itself, including brainstorming processes, idea development and refinement. Students were also introduced to digital design tools, with additional guidance from MSU media graphic and design lecturer Muhammad Afifi Ahmad Tarmizi.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">PROTON Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Ir Abdul Rashid Musa said sharing industry knowledge is part of the company’s broader education outreach efforts.&nbsp;


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21625/16877110/Students-actively-engaged-in-the-workshop,-opening-their-minds-to-new-creative-possibilities.JPG" data-media-id="16877110" alt="Students-actively-engaged-in-the-workshop,-opening-their-minds-to-new-creative-possibilities.JPG" style="width: 50%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21625/16877113/Speakers-and-participants-gather-for-a-group-photo-at-the-workshop.JPG" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16877113" alt="Speakers-and-participants-gather-for-a-group-photo-at-the-workshop.JPG"> 

“Knowledge is like a lamp — its light, no matter how small, can illuminate even the darkest path. At PROTON, we believe that sharing knowledge sparks curiosity and opens doors to new possibilities,” said Dato’ Ir Abdul Rashid Bin Musa, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.

The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between industry and educational institutions, offering students a closer look at how vehicles are conceptualised long before they reach the showroom floor.

More than 20 students aged 15 to 25 took part in an automotive styling workshop led by PROTON designers in Subang Jaya.

Proton Partners MSU For Automotive Design Workshop

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21624/16876708/conversions/MyKad-Licence-Budi95-issues-(2)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16876708" alt="MyKad-Licence-Budi95-issues-(2).jpg"> Over 14.6 million Malaysians are now enjoying subsidised RON95 petrol under the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/12/budi95-saves-govt-rm800-million-benefits-malaysians-through-cash-contributions-pmx" target="_blank">Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95)</a> initiative.Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the scheme, launched in Oct 2025, continues to run smoothly, processing an average of 3.1 million transactions daily without disruption.“Through Budi95, the public can buy RON95 at RM1.99 per litre directly at the pump. No new registration or complicated procedures are needed,” he told the Dewan Rakyat. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21624/16876709/conversions/RON95-PADU-Amir-Hamzah-(3)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16876709" alt="RON95-PADU-Amir-Hamzah-(3).jpg"> The programme uses MyKad as an eligibility verification tool, ensuring that subsidies reach Malaysian citizens directly while reducing leakage to non-citizens, Amir Hamzah added.Government data show that the average monthly fuel usage under <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/01/budi95-quota-to-stay-average-usage-83l" target="_blank">Budi95 is around 83 litres</a>, well below the 300-litre monthly cap. Nearly nine in ten users consume less than 200 litres per month, indicating the scheme is supporting everyday motorists without abuse. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21624/16876710/conversions/MyKad-Licence-Budi95-issues-(1)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16876710" alt="MyKad-Licence-Budi95-issues-(1).jpg"> BUDI95 has drawn attention as a successful example of identity-based subsidy targeting, prompting discussions about replicating the mechanism for other essential goods, such as cooking oil and sugar.“The system is practical and effective,” Amir Hamzah said, highlighting how Budi95 combines convenience with fiscal responsibility.

14.6 million Malaysians enjoy RM1.99 RON95 petrol through the MyKad-based Budi95 subsidy system.

Budi95: 14.6 Million Malaysians Save on RON95

<h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21623/16876704/conversions/PEUGEOT-408-Rapide-full.jpg" data-media-id="16876704" alt="PEUGEOT-408-Rapide.jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peugeot 408 crossovers made locally (CKD) in Gurun, Kedah by Stellantis are now being exported to a third overseas market - Taiwan.</div></h6> Global automaking giant <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/search/stellantis" target="_blank">Stellantis</a> has started producing and exporting Malaysia-made <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/03/driven-peugeot-408-gt-fancy-a-crossover-with-le-difference" target="_blank">Peugeot 408</a> crossovers to yet another overseas market – Taiwan.Said island nation is now the third market where the fastback crossover model, which is built at t<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2021/11/stellantis-takes-full-ownership-of-nazas-gurun-plant-makes-it-asean-hub" target="_blank">he firm’s assembly plant in Gurun, Kedah,</a> is exported to – the other two markets being neighbouring Thailand since 2024, and Cambodia since 2025. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21623/16876705/conversions/PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-5)-full.jpg" data-media-id="16876705" alt="PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-5).jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Notably, the Taiwan-bound export version of the Peugeot 408 adopts an upgraded 1.6-litre PureTech powertrain, which in turn necessitate Stellantis to invest in upgrading its Gurun facility.</div></h6> Notably, the Taiwan-bound Peugeot 408 export units detailed features an upgraded Euro 6-compliant version of the Peugeot marque’s 1.6-litre PureTech powertrain. Versus the mill brimmed in the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/04/launched-peugeot-408-3-variants-ckd-from-rm146055" target="_blank">Malaysia market version,</a> this one is peppier with 225 hp.Critically, Stellantis highlighted an additional investment of € 1.5 million (RM7 million) to upgrade the Gurun plant’s manufacturing line. This includes specialised Research &amp; Development (R&amp;D) for powertrain calibration and localised parts development. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21623/16876707/conversions/PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-3)-full.jpg" data-media-id="16876707" alt="PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-3).jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stellantis had invested up to RM7 million to upgrade its Gurun plant for the Taiwan-bound Peugeot 408 built there.</div></h6> “This latest development emphasises our commitment to scaling production outputs in Malaysia while extending the breadth of brands and models within the Stellantis portfolio to meet the diverse needs of the region,” says Isaac Yeo, Director of Stellantis ASEAN.The exec also added that the firm is in the midst of evaluating additional markets across the Asia-Pacific region to export the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/03/driven-peugeot-408-gt-fancy-a-crossover-with-le-difference" target="_blank">Gurun-made Peugeot 408 model</a> with the upgraded powertrain detailed prior. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21623/16876711/conversions/PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-2)-full.jpg" data-media-id="16876711" alt="PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-2).jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Taiwan is now the third overseas market where Stellantis exports Malaysia-made Peugeot 408 units after Thailand and Vietnam.</div></h6> Looking ahead, Yeo also stressed that this recent milestone is central towards transforming the firm’s Gurun plant into a regional manufacturing powerhouse with industry-leading quality standards.He adds that Stellantis remains committed towards achieving full production capacity at the facility, targeting the export of 280,000 vehicles to 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region by 2028. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21623/16876712/conversions/PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-1)-full.jpg" data-media-id="16876712" alt="PEUGEOT-408-Euro-6-At-Stellantis-Gurun-(Photo-1).jpg" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 100%;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stellantis adds it is exploring other markets across Asia Pacific to potentially export the Peugeot 408 model built at its Gurun plant.</div></h6> Said growth is underpinned by a strategy set for Stellantis Gurun to accommodate the manufacturing of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV).The firm adds these efforts include the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/04/stellantis-set-to-establish-malaysia-ckd-for-leapmotor-ev-brand" target="_blank">localised assembly of Leapmotor electric vehicles,</a> beginning with the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/launched-2025-leapmotor-c10-lower-rm125k-price-tag-upgraded-11-kw-ac-charging" target="_blank">Leapmotor C10</a> following a dedicated €5 million (RM23.37 million) investment.<div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>

Stellantis starts local production (CKD) of Peugeot 408 at its Gurun plant for export to Taiwan.

Stellantis Now Exports CKD Peugeot 408 To Taiwan

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21619/16875094/conversions/thumb-PDRM-Dashcam-full.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16875094" alt="thumb-PDRM-Dashcam.jpg"> <h6 style="text-align: center; ">PDRM’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department suggests making dashcams compulsory for all road users.</h6>The <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/09/jspt-number-plates-flippers-online-are-illegal" target="_blank">Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT)</a> of the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/pdrm-elderly-drivers-involved-in-nearly-7000-fatalities-from-20192024" target="_blank">Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)</a> has suggested making <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/01/dashcams-a-must-have-not-a-nice-to-have" target="_blank">dashcams</a> compulsory for all road users as part of an effort to strengthen enforcement and road safety.Speaking to <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/eksklusif-jspt-cadang-dashcam-diwajibkan-pemberi-maklumat-diberi-merit-termasuk-diskaun-saman-558986" target="_blank">Astro Awani</a>, JSPT deputy director (enforcement/traffic control/summons management) Mohd Rozi Jidin said that for now, dashcams are still considered as an accessory and are not compulsory.That said, the deputy director continued by saying it is time for the authorities to reassess that stance, further suggesting that the public could play the role as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the authorities to report any traffic incidents and help them in strengthening enforcement.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21619/16875095/conversions/JSPT-Deputy-Director-Mohd-Rozi-Jidin-(Credit---Astro-Awani)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="16875095" alt="JSPT-Deputy-Director-Mohd-Rozi-Jidin-(Credit---Astro-Awani).jpg"> <h6 style="text-align: center; ">JSPT Deputy Director Mohd Rozi Jidin (photo credit: Astro Awani)</h6>“It’s time that our country can perhaps set conditions or obligations. For now it’s not compulsory, more of an accessory, but perhaps it’s time for us to make it compulsory so that all road users can be the eyes of the authorities, where offences can be recorded and reported,” he commented.Mohd Rozi also said that JSPT is planning to create a mechanism that will grant merit or incentive for members of the public who report traffic offences via their dashcam recordings. The deputy director elaborated that these incentives could come in the form of summons discounts for those who are active in submitting these reports.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21619/16875112/conversions/70Mai-A510-Dashcam-14-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16875112" alt="70Mai-A510-Dashcam-14.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/21619/16875113/conversions/70Mai-A510-Dashcam-25-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="16875113" alt="70Mai-A510-Dashcam-25.jpg"> That said, the deputy director insisted that this suggestion is still in the planning stage for JSPT, although he further added that the department has received numerous positive feedback from the members of the public in support of widening the use of dashcams in enforcement.“This is still in JSPT’s planning in the context of dashcams. Maybe when it’s time for summons discounts, those who didn’t report (offences via dashcam) won’t get it, but those who do will have an advantage,” Mohd Rozi added.Prior to this suggestion, <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/01/loke-motorcycle-ban-on-highway-not-a-quick-fix" target="_blank">transport minister (MOT) Anthony Loke</a> previously said that the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2026/02/loke-no-rush-on-dashcam-mandate-for-e-hailing" target="_blank">ministry has no plans to make the fitment of dashcams mandatory</a> in all vehicles, citing the cost to own a dashcam as one of the biggest issues. That said, what do you think of JSPT’s suggestion to make dashcams compulsory and the subsequent reward system?

PDRM’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department suggests making dashcams compulsory for all road users.

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