MAS 2025: NxGV Label Launched to Drive Smarter, Greener Mobility

At the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 20205), the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) launched the new Voluntary Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV) Labelling Scheme.

Part of the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020), it is designed to push Malaysia towards cleaner, smarter mobility while showing leadership in the ASEAN region. Alongside the launch, MARii also held the NxGV Challenge 2025 Prize Giving Ceremony.

The competition, co-organised with SAE Malaysia and supported by Perodua, celebrated young talents in electric vehicle (EV) design and development. Both events highlight Malaysia’s efforts as ASEAN Chair in 2025 to lead the shift towards low-carbon and connected transport, while developing future automotive talent.

The NxGV label is a voluntary benchmark for advanced vehicles that meet standards in energy efficiency, automation (at least Level 3) and connectivity. It gives carmakers, including those making EVs and autonomous vehicles, a way to showcase their innovations in a growing market.

“The NxGV label is more than a compliance badge, it’s a signal of innovation, sustainability, and ASEAN leadership,” said Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii. “Today marks an important step forward in Malaysia’s journey towards future mobility. 

Back in 2014, MARii introduced the Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) labelling scheme, and it worked - over 90% of cars made in Malaysia today are EEV-certified.

Azrul also added, “As technology evolves, we must see mobility not just as travel, but as part of a wider system. Vehicles are becoming smart, connected, and electric. Malaysia must lead in this space, especially in our role guiding ASEAN this year.”

The new label supports Malaysia’s goal to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. It also helps build a strong local ecosystem for green and intelligent mobility.

Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Datuk Hanafi Sakri, said vehicle labelling must now reflect more than just emissions. “It must include intelligence, connectivity, and automation. The NxGV Labelling Scheme sets that standard and shows our commitment to high-tech, sustainable mobility in ASEAN.”

The NxGV Challenge 2025 saw university and polytechnic students design, build, and race formula-style electric cars. Launched in December 2024, the challenge also required teams to submit research papers through SAE Malaysia, helping to boost local EV knowledge and innovation.

“SAE Malaysia is proud to support a platform that combines academic learning with hands-on EV innovation,” said Ts. Zulhaidi Jawi, Chairperson of SAE Malaysia. “These students aren’t just building cars - they’re shaping the future of mobility.”

Meanwhile, Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, said the event helps bridge the gap between education and industry. “Perodua has always been focused on developing the Malaysian automotive ecosystem. This includes preparing the next generation to work with EVs, because that’s where the future is.”

The competition included design reviews, cost analysis, business pitches, and on-track performance tests. Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah took home the top prize, followed by Politeknik Kota Bharu and Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah.

As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is using initiatives like the NxGV label and the student challenge to drive the region towards smarter, greener, and more inclusive mobility.

Image Credit: Perodua & MAS 2025