Alongside the C-HR+, Toyota Motor Europe has also introduced another electric vehicle, though this one is significantly more teeny and occupies only half a parking space.
Known as the FT-Me, it is a concept vehicle that embodies Toyota’s vision for all-electric micromobility that combines premium design with affordability.
The EV is indeed very small, measuring less than 2.5 metres in length and featuring just two seats. Its rather eccentric design is inspired by a jet helmet, and most components you see here are made using recycled materials, helping to reduce carbon emissions by up to 90%.
Battery specifications have not been disclosed but according to Toyota, its propulsion system consumes three times less energy per kilometre than a high-capacity battery electric car.
The propulsion system is complemented by solar panels on the roof that can add an extra 20 to 30 km of range, depending on weather conditions.
In addition to being small enough to fit in the narrow European streets, the FT-Me can be operated via hand controls, making it usable to wheelchair users without any aftermarket modification.
It is uncertain whether the FT-Me is intended for production, but Toyota states that the vehicle is designed for people with entry-level driving licences, including those as young as 14 years old in some markets.
This means that the FT-Me will be classified as a quadricycle, similar to the Citroën Ami and Opel Rocks-e, if it ever sees the light of day.
To this date, the use of electric vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell systems (FCEVs) is still not as widespread compared to electric vehicles (EVs).
Take, for instance, the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen-powered sedan that has been available since 2014, with over 28,000 units sold in more than 30 countries.
This is a relatively small figure.
However, in addition to the passenger car market, Toyota has also been supplying this fuel cell system for other uses, such as buses, trains, and stationary power generation systems since 2019.
Looking ahead, Toyota still believes that this hydrogen system can serve as a better alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs.
The third-generation fuel cell system was officially introduced recently, promising a more compact unit and a driving range that is 20 percent longer (up to 772 kilometers).
Furthermore, Toyota claims that this third-generation system can achieve durability comparable to that of diesel engines while offering maintenance-free design benefits.
Through innovations in cell design and manufacturing processes, this system is also cheaper to produce, contributing to a more affordable sales price.
The third-generation fuel cell system will not only be used for the passenger vehicle segment but is also expected to be expanded to the heavy-duty commercial vehicle segment for markets in Japan, Europe, North America, and China by 2026.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) continues its strong performance in the Malaysian automotive market with total sales of 5,383 units for the month of January 2025.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, UMWT says it is well-positioned to build on this momentum as the year progresses.
Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor said the company’s strong start to 2025 reflects its dedication to delivering exceptional vehicles that meet the evolving needs of customers.
“This achievement is a testament to the trust our customers place in us, and we remain dedicated to exceeding expectations by delivering advanced vehicles and unparalleled ownership experiences.
“With continuous innovation and exciting new models, we are committed to shaping the future of mobility in Malaysia,” he added.
Central to this effort is the Gazoo Racing (GR) brand, which has been expanded with the launch of the 2025 GR Yaris, GR Corolla and Corolla GR Sport during the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Season 7 closing ceremony recently.
UMWT says the GR brand has been well-received by both driving enthusiasts and mainstream customers, reinforcing its position as Toyota’s dedicated performance division.
In the meantime, UMWT is making 2025 even more exciting with attractive promotional savings, including promos worth up to RM8,500, with a monthly payment from as low as RM658.
Additionally, the Toyota Service Savers programme continues to provide peace of mind with cost-effective maintenance plans starting at just RM33 per month.
Based on registration data released by the Department of Road Transport (JPJ) through the website data.gov.my, 2024 has been an excellent period for Perodua.
During this time, the brand recorded vehicle registrations totaling 358,100 units, securing the top spot once again.
In second place is Proton, with a total of 147,587 units registered, while Toyota comes in third with 127,202 units registered.
Interestingly, among the top 10 manufacturers, Chinese automotive brands have started to emerge, surpassing brands that were previously popular.
For example, Chery ranks fifth, beating out Mitsubishi and Mazda, while BYD has managed to secure the tenth position, ahead of Nissan, which ranks eleventh.
But do you know the list of the 10 most popular cars in Malaysia for 2024?
Throughout 2024, Toyota Motor Corp sold a total of 10.82 million vehicles, allowing the automaker to maintain its global leadership for the fifth consecutive year.
Despite this figure representing a 3.7 percent decline compared to 2023, Toyota explained that there is still strong demand for its hybrid vehicles.
The second place was secured by the Volkswagen Group, with total sales of 9.03 million units, while the Hyundai Group recorded sales of 7.23 million units.
For the first time, BYD surpassed Honda, Nissan, and Suzuki with sales of 4.27 million units last year.
In comparison, Honda sold 3.81 million units, followed by Nissan with 3.35 million units and Suzuki with 3.25 million units.
Excluding brands under its umbrella such as Hino and Daihatsu, the sales figures for Toyota-branded vehicles alone reached 10.16 million units, a drop of 1.4 percent, following its involvement in a vehicle certification scandal, which led to a temporary halt in the production of certain models.
In key markets, Toyota recorded a 4.3 percent increase in sales, reaching 2.73 million vehicles in North America, followed by a 3.6 percent increase to 1.17 million vehicles in Europe.
However, Toyota’s sales in China saw a decline of 6.9 percent, totaling 1.78 million vehicles, due to ongoing price wars among major domestic manufacturers.
In case you missed it, the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024 is set to open its curtains from December 5 to 11, 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
According to organiser Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), the event, themed ‘Beyond Mobility’, will feature nearly 70 exhibitors, with an exhibition area covering almost 30,000 square feet across two floors of the MITEC building.
For those planning to attend, here are some of the exciting cars that will make their appearance at the event:
Perodua EMO-II
Undoubtedly, Perodua is set to capture visitors’ attention with their electric concept model, the EMO-II (Electric Mobility Online). The concept car previews the production version of Perodua’s first electric vehicle, which is expected to be launched in the market later this year.
Proton e.MAS 7
Although not officially announced, Proton’s first electric vehicle, the e.MAS 7, is highly likely to make its debut at KLIMS 2024. It will be available with two battery pack options, with an estimated price of RM120,000.
Honda Prelude Concept
Another brand that will undoubtedly attract attention at KLIMS 2024 is Honda. In addition to its latest model lineup, Honda Malaysia has announced that it will also showcase the Prelude Concept, making Malaysia the first country in Asia, besides Japan, to exhibit the hybrid coupe.
Mazda CX-60
For devoted Mazda fans, Bermaz Motor will be showcasing two upcoming SUVs, the CX-60 and CX-80. Built on the SkyActiv Multi Solution Scalable Architecture platform, the former offers petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain options, with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive capabilities.
Mazda CX-80
Like the CX-60, the CX-80 also belongs to Mazda’s Large Product group but offers three rows of seating. The powertrain options are similar to the CX-60, featuring inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, PHEV, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD or RWD systems.
Toyota Camry
Following its launch in Thailand last October, the ninth-generation Toyota Camry (XV80) will make its debut in Malaysia this week. The D-segment sedan is powered by a 2.5-litre hybrid engine combined with an e-CVT transmission, producing a total system output of 227 PS.
Toyota Corolla Cross
In addition to the Camry, UMW Toyota Motor will also introduce the facelifted version of the Corolla Cross, which has already been open for orders since November. Along with a refreshed exterior design, the SUV will also feature several new enhancements, including an electronic parking brake, Auto Hold, and improved driver-assistance systems.
Nissan Kicks e-Power
As previously reported, the Nissan Kicks e-Power will be available as a fully imported version (CBU) from Thailand, with two variants: VL and VLT. It features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery pack, which in return powers the electric motor on the front axle.
MG Cyberster
Without a doubt, among the standout cars at KLIMS 2024 will be the MG Cyberster, an electric roadster powered by two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 503 PS and 725 Nm. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.
GWM Wey 80
Wey is a luxury sub-brand under Great Wall Motor (GWM). While it is still uncertain whether the luxury marque will be officially launched in the local market, it is certainly a possibility if the Wey 80 MPV receives a positive response at the show.
For the first time in history, Chinese automotive company BYD has successfully sold more vehicles than Ford.
During the third quarter (July-September), BYD sold 1.13 million vehicles, marking a 38 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
In comparison, Ford sold fewer than 40,000 vehicles during the same period, causing the manufacturer to drop one rank, becoming the seventh largest in the world.
However, for the period from January to September, Ford is still ahead of BYD with total sales of 3.3 million units, slightly more than BYD’s 3.25 million units.
It is not impossible that by the end of the year, BYD’s sales could reach 4 million, surpassing Ford’s total sales for the year 2024.
In addition to BYD, several Chinese automotive companies have also reported sales increases that could be concerning for Japanese, European, and American manufacturers.
For example, during Q3, Geely experienced a sales increase of 14 percent, reaching 820,000 vehicles, surpassing Nissan and trailing behind Honda at ninth place.
China’s third-largest manufacturer, Chery, recorded a 27 percent sales increase to 550,000 units, placing it in twelfth position.
Toyota’s sales, however, decreased by 4 percent to 2.73 million units, although the Japanese giant still leads the chart ahead of the VW Group, which saw a 7 percent decline to 2.17 million vehicles.
While Hyundai Motor Group remains comfortably in third place, it also reported a 3 percent sales decline to 1.77 million units.
In fifth place, Stellantis seems to need to work harder as the sales difference with BYD is only around 10,000 units.
We must thank Toyota for continuing to produce a lineup of high-performance car models in the modern era for the enjoyment of its fans.
After years of rumors circulating, Toyota has finally confirmed that the iconic Celica nameplate will be making a comeback.
The announcement was made by Toyota’s Executive Vice President, Yuki Nakajima, in conjunction with the recent hosting of Rally Japan.
“Honestly, there are no signs (of the Celica) at this time. However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the return of the Celica.
“So, I wonder if I can say this in a public forum, but we are developing the Celica!”
This latest development comes just weeks after Toyota hinted at new sports cars, including the Celica, GR GT3, and MR2, in the animated series GRIP, as well as updates to the existing lineup (GR86, GR Supra).
Interestingly, at the 2024 SEMA show, Toyota also seized the opportunity to showcase a concept car named the GR86 Rally Legacy Concept, inspired by the 1990s Celica GT-Four.
In addition to a Castrol-style livery, the GR86 is equipped with a GR Yaris engine producing 300 hp and 370 Nm of torque, paired with a GR-Four all-wheel-drive system to embody the Celica theme being brought back.
Are you excited about the return of the Celica name?
In addition to the Japanese animated series “Initial D” and “MF Ghost,” which feature characters driving Toyota-branded cars, there is also an anime series officially produced by the automaker itself.
The anime series “GRIP,” which can be watched legally on YouTube, is now in its second season and includes Easter eggs that will delight fans.
Shared on the Supra MKV forum, one such Easter egg appears on a chalkboard in a scene featuring a list of potential future GR sports cars, including the Supra Mk6, Celica Mk8, MR2 Mk4, GR86 Mk3, and GR GT3.
Notably, the GR Yaris and GR Corolla are completely absent from this list, along with the GR Starlet, which has been promoted as an affordable alternative to the GR Yaris hatchback model.
According to several previous reports, Toyota Gazoo Racing is set to revive several iconic names that are part of the brand’s motorsport history.
The Celica is expected to return as an all-wheel-drive coupe with a 2.0L turbo engine delivering 400 hp, while the MR2 is likely to make a comeback as a mid-engine sports car based on the FT-Se concept model.
In addition to the new generation GR86 and GR Supra, there is also the GR GT3/Lexus LFR, which may be powered by a V8 engine.
Toyota is also looking to develop another fast model, the GR Starlet, which will serve as a complement to the existing hot hatch lineup (GR Yaris, GR Corolla).
Unlike the two models equipped with GR-Four all-wheel-drive systems, the GR Starlet will utilize a three-cylinder inline engine producing around 150 hp and 220 Nm, driving only the front wheels.
The Toyota Hilux BEV was introduced in Thailand a few years ago, featuring a single cab body configuration.
To better suit the demands of mining operations, Toyota has decided to unveil a prototype unit of the Hilux BEV, based on the single cab body style.
In collaboration with mining company BHP, Toyota aims for this Hilux BEV prototype to provide invaluable data for developing a production model.
Over the next 12 months, this Hilux BEV pickup will replace diesel trucks for various operations at Port Hedland, one of the largest iron ore mining sites in the world.
This double-cab prototype Hilux BEV closely resembles the diesel engine version, with the only distinguishing feature being the presence of a charging port on the front fender.
Additionally, Toyota has fitted a bull bar at the front, complete with extra LED lights.
To date, Toyota has kept the specifications of the Hilux BEV prototype under wraps.
However, this is not the first time we’ve heard news about the use of electric Hilux trucks to replace diesel-powered vehicles in mining areas.
A few years ago, Toyota Australia developed an electric version of the Land Cruiser 70 Series as part of efforts to reduce emissions.
Last year, SEA Electric and MEVCO announced a AU$1 billion collaboration to develop 8,500 EV units based on the Hilux and Land Cruiser for use in the mining industry.
Moreover, in the UK, Toyota is conducting an initiative to test up to ten prototype Toyota Hilux units powered by fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology adapted from the hydrogen sedan Toyota Mirai.
Just a few months ago, it has been reported that BMW might axe the Z4 after March 2026. Needless to say, this news left fans of its twin, the Toyota GR Supra, feeling restless. Will Toyota follow in BMW’s footsteps?
It appears that GR Supra enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief, as recent reports suggest that Toyota plans to continue offering the two-door sports car for at least one more generation.
Speaking to CarExpert, Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley stated that the notion of the Supra being discontinued is purely speculative.
“There is no plan to discontinue the Supra brand in this car company. I know that. BMW is not Toyota.”
“And, quite frankly, I have no expectation, sitting here today, that the Supra brand will disappear. At all,” Hanley added.
He further explained that the Supra has a long and significant history, making it an important model within the GR lineup.
In addition to the GR Supra, the GR lineup also includes the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, and GR86.
This is an exciting development, as we all know that the Z4 and GR Supra were co-developed by BMW and Toyota. On top of that, both models are also assembled by Magna Steyr at the plant in Graz, Austria.
If BMW does kill the Z4, it would mean that Toyota would need to seek a new technical partner to develop the next generation of the GR Supra. Who do you think would be the most suitable candidate for this exciting project?
Toyota Motor Corp confirmed in a statement last Friday that the total production volume globally in August decreased by 11.2 percent to 709,571 units compared to the same period last year.
This decline was caused by a vehicle certification test scandal and temporary factory closures due to a typhoon that struck Japan in late August.
Additionally, domestic production figures also decreased by 22.2 percent to 185,680 units as popular models such as Corolla Axio, Corolla Fielder, and Yaris Cross remained suspended since last June.
Toyota resumed the assembly operations of these three models at the beginning of September after the Japanese Ministry of Transport confirmed the vehicle safety aspects.
Domestic sales performance in Japan also recorded a decrease of 9.1 percent to 109,505 units.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s vehicle production outside of Japan also showed a decline, dropping by 6.5 percent to 523,891 units after a recall campaign involving the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX models in North America.
The Japanese manufacturer faces fierce competition in mainland China, where sales declined by 13.5 percent.
In addition to Toyota, Nissan experienced a 15.5 percent decrease to 236,016 units due to weak X-Trail SUV sales in China, while Honda witnessed an 11.3 percent decline to 307,870 units.
The answer to these questions can be found in the Toyota Yaris, which serves as an excellent example of a car that is highly relevant for young people in Malaysia.
Despite the overwhelming variety of attractive car models in the market, many young individuals may not realise that the Yaris still holds unique advantages.
1. Hatchback with Sporty Driving Experience
Equipped with a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine delivering 107 hp and 140 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT, the Toyota Yaris offers a quiet and smooth driving experience while being fuel-efficient.
With exciting features like front and rear disc brakes, paddle shifters, and a Sport mode, young drivers should know that the Yaris is capable of delivering a sporty driving experience.
2. The Toyota Yaris is an Ideal First Car
Although it has a compact footprint, the Toyota Yaris can still provide a practical cabin layout and ample legroom for rear passengers.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been enhanced with acoustic glass to reduce outside noise. Moreover, the audio volume is also lowered when you shift into reverse.
The 286-litre cargo space is adequate for personal belongings, making the Yaris an ideal first car for young people.
3. Comprehensive Safety Features
For a car priced under RM100,000, the Toyota Yaris comes equipped with excellent safety features, ideal for young people wanting to protect their families.
Examples include Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), a 360-degree Panorama View Monitor (PVM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), as well as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), which displays live camera feed on the screen when the turn signals are activated.
The Toyota Yaris also comes with Toyota Safety Sense, which comprises Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA), ensuring a safer driving experience.
With seven airbags and six parking sensors (two front, four rear), the Toyota Yaris does not compromise on safety compared to more expensive vehicles.
4. Features Highly Appreciated by Women Drivers
The sporty package means little if the car lacks driver-friendly functions.
In addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there’s also an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic folding side mirrors, and a full-size spare tyre.
Not to forget, the Toyota Yaris now comes with front and rear dashcams!
For the ladies who are solo drivers or often drive home in the middle of the night, you’ll appreciate the “Follow Me Home” feature available in the Toyota Yaris.
5. Outstanding After-Sales Support from Toyota
An extensive specification list does not inherently guarantee user loyalty.
What gives young people confidence in the Toyota Yaris is the comprehensive and high-value after-sales support network from Toyota, covering aspects of purchasing, ownership, as well as service and maintenance.
The Toyota Yaris is available starting from RM88,000, and with promotions worth up to RM9,500, you can enjoy monthly installments as low as RM658.
For more information, visit your nearest Toyota showroom or click the link HERE.
As previously reported, Toyota is developing a new generation of inline four-cylinder engines, 1.5 and 2.0 liters, in order to achieve carbon neutrality targets.
With a more compact and lighter size, the new generation engines are expected to be more powerful while also offering better fuel efficiency.
Toyota holds high hopes for the new engines, to the extent that one of the company’s engineers believes it can surpass the highly popular 2JZ engine among enthusiasts. This was revealed by a journalist from Kuruma News attending an event hosted by Lexus recently.
At the event, Japanese media practitioners were given the opportunity to test the Toyota Hilux and Lexus IS equipped with the new 2.0-liter turbo engine.
Both models have different power outputs, with the Hilux generating 300 hp at a redline of 6,200 rpm, while the Lexus IS is capable of producing 400 hp with a higher redline (7,100 rpm).
According to Kuruma News, despite the differing power outputs, both models have almost no turbo lag and, at the same time, offer an enjoyable driving experience.
Another Japanese media outlet, Best Car Web, revealed that Lexus may be developing a prototype Lexus RC with 600 hp. The prototype model is said to have a six-speed manual gearbox and is being developed for motorsports.
It is not impossible that one day this 600 hp prototype RC model will also be offered under the high-performance Lexus F division.
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that it sold 8,500 units in August 2024, representing a slight drop of 500 units from the 9,000 units recorded in the month before that.
This brings the total year-to-date sales as of August 2024 to approximately 64,000 units. The top three best-selling models for last month were the Vios, Hilux and Corolla Cross.
On August 16, UMWT began taking orders for the enhanced 2024 models of the Hilux, Fortuner and GR86.
The Hilux now includes Vehicle Stability Control in the 2.4 Single Cab and features like Remote Engine Start and Panoramic View Monitor in select variants.
Meanwhile, the Fortuner introduces a GR Body Kit Package and Remote Engine Start on higher trims, while the GR86 now offers sharper handling, enhanced throttle response and comes equipped with a front and rear Digital Video Recorder (DVR).
Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor said, “Our August 2024 sales performance as well as the enhancements made to the three models, reflect our commitment to providing mobility solutions that drive innovation and customer satisfaction.”
For the month of September 2024, UMWT is introducing the “Move in Harmony” promo where buyers could enjoy broad promotional savings, including promo worth up to RM9,500 for the new Yaris, with monthly purchase instalments starting from only RM658.
The Toyota Service Savers program further offers convenient monthly instalments starting from as low as RM31.
For motorsport fans, brace yourselves as the highly anticipated Toyota Gazoo Racing Season 7 Round 2 is set to return to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit on September 27-29.
The alarming cases of children who died after being left behind in cars have become a little too common, not only in Malaysia but also in other countries.
Recognising the seriousness of the issue, Toyota has introduced the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system that is capable of detecting movement in the rear seats after the vehicle has been turned off and locked.
The first model to receive the new system is the 2025 Toyota Sienna, a three-row MPV available in the North American market.
While rear seat reminder systems are not new to the automotive world, Toyota’s Advanced Rear Seat Reminder is more sophisticated as it is capable of making calls to the user’s phone.
According to Toyota, the system utilises sensors concealed in the headliner and a 60GHz band millimeter-wave radar to scan the second and third row seats for potential movement.
If the system senses movement after the vehicle is shifted into park and ignition is cycled off, the driver’s door has been opened then closed and the vehicle has been locked, the initial warning will trigger the hazard lights and to flash and sound the door lock chime nine times.
If movement is still detected by the sensor and a door has not been opened approximately 90 seconds after the initial warning, the system will sound the horn as part of the escalation warning.
If the driver has opted into Advanced Rear Seat Reminder notifications via the Toyota app and has an active Safety Connect subscription, they will receive a push notification and a text message four minutes after the horn escalation warning starts.
Finally, after an additional two minutes has elapsed, the system will attempt to generate an automated phone call from Toyota Safety.
However, if the vehicle is left unlocked, the hazard lights will not activate, nor will the door alarm or horn sound. Instead, users will be notified via SMS after 10 minutes, followed by a phone call two minutes later.
Will Toyota introduce the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system in other markets? We certainly hope so, as it has the potential to save many lives.
A new world record for the lowest fuel consumption rate has been set in the Guinness World Record for a driving distance exceeding 5,000 km, that is 2.5L/100 km.
This is much more efficient compared to the official figure of 57 MPG (4.12 liters/100 km) released by Toyota!
Wayne Gerdes drove a Toyota Prius LE from Los Angeles City Hall to New York City Hall, covering a distance of 5,168.7 km.
During the journey, he had to navigate routes at an elevation of 2,100 m and traverse the Mojave Desert where temperatures can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
To achieve this figure, Gerdes suggested several tips that can be used to improve fuel efficiency.
These include driving slowly from stops while maintaining steady pressure on the pedal.
“For a record attempt like this, it requires meticulous planning. You need to have a plan and be able to quickly adjust that plan.
“So, if conditions change, you must alter your plan. Change your route. Think about what you can do to reach that goal,” he added.
The Toyota Prius LE has a fuel tank capacity of 43 liters, so based on a quick calculation, Gerdes may be able to achieve a distance of 1,693 km with each full tank refill.
It is indeed an impressive figure, considering Toyota’s official figure is only about 1,036 km.
The news about the revival of the Starlet model has long been circulating online.
According to the Japanese publisher Best Car Web, Toyota is planning to reintroduce the Starlet model as a replacement for the discontinued Toyota Passo.
Not only that, the Gazoo Racing racing division also plans to produce a turbocharged hot hatch GR Starlet (unofficial name) that will serve as the basis for the WRC Rally 4 racing vehicle.
The new Starlet model may use the same TNGA-B platform as the Yaris, but with smaller dimensions.
Best Car Web estimates the dimensions of the Starlet to be 3,850 mm in length, 1,725 mm in width, 1,475 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,450 mm.
For comparison, the Toyota Yaris (TNGA platform) measures 3,940 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width, 1,500 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,560 mm.
Unlike the GR Yaris, which uses the G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbo engine, the GR Starlet may use a more simplified powertrain.
According to sources, the new hot hatch will be equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-three engine based on the earlier 1.6-liter turbo engine, producing about 150 hp, front-wheel drive system, and a six-speed manual transmission.
Due to the absence of the all-wheel-drive GR-Four system, it also contributes to a lighter weight, approximately 980 kg, or 300 kg lighter than the GR Yaris.
Additionally, the actual production model of the Starlet is expected to appear in 2026, while the rally car Starlet will showcase its prowess in the 2027 racing season.
Like other manufacturers, Toyota has also been affected by the decline in demand for electric vehicles.
According to the latest report from the Japanese newspaper The Mainichi, Toyota has reduced its global production target for electric vehicles by 30 percent by the year 2026.
The company is now aiming to produce around 1 million units, compared to the original plan of 1.5 million EV units.
Toyota, previously characterized as a ‘stubborn’ manufacturer, changed their electrification strategy early last year when their president Koji Sato announced a sales target of 1.5 million EV units by 2026.
The global EV market initially experienced rapid growth, thanks to the popular models produced by Tesla and BYD.
However, sales in the zero-emission segment have been slow as they have failed to attract interest from other consumer groups beyond early adopters due to high costs and charging infrastructure issues.
Throughout 2023, Toyota managed to sell 104,000 EV units, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year.
This figure is significantly small when compared to the total vehicle sales exceeding 10 million units.
In comparison to EVs, Toyota’s hybrid vehicles have been well-received as they offer a more practical solution in driving carbon neutrality missions.
Despite the plans to decrease EV production, Toyota will respond to current market demand by increasing production numbers for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
For most automotive brands in Malaysia, local assembly plays a crucial role in ensuring their continued competitiveness in the local automotive market.
It goes without saying that national carmakers such as Proton and Perodua run their own assembly plants in the country; however, for foreign brands, completely knocked-down (CKD) operations allow them to offer products at more competitive prices.
Through support and various incentives offered by the government, Malaysia has become host to several vehicle production plants from leading brands. Here are five automotive production plants in the country that you should know about:
Proton Shah Alam & Tg. Malim
The Proton vehicle assembly plant in Shah Alam began operating in 1985, the same year the original Proton Saga was launched. This plant also produced many other important models such as the Wira, Waja, Exora, and Satria.
Proton is reportedly planning to relocate its entire manufacturing operations in Shah Alam to Proton City, Tanjong Malim by 2027. The RM1.8 billion plant, opened in 2003, covers an area of 517 hectares. In addition to producing the latest models such as X50 and X70, the plant also assembles the 1.5 TGDI engine.
Perodua Sg. Choh, Rawang
Perodua’s headquarters sits on a 522-acre site in Sungai Choh, Rawang. In addition to its corporate building, an R&D facility, a test track, and various other facilities, it also houses two vehicle assembly plants: Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB) and Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), which was opened in 2016.
According to Perodua, both plants have a vehicle production capacity of up to 320,000 vehicles a year. Perodua also has engine and transmission production plants, both located in Sendayan TechValley.
Toyota Shah Alam & Bukit Raja
The first locally assembled Toyota vehicle was the Corolla KE10, assembled at the Champion Motor plant in Shah Alam. In 1975, the plant was renamed Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB).
With increasing demand and the need for a new, more modern plant, UMW Toyota in 2019 opened its second assembly plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, where the latest models such as Vios, Yaris, and Corolla Cross are manufactured.
Honda Pegoh, Melaka
Honda began its CKD operations in the country in 2003 with the assembly of the second-generation Honda CR-V at its Pegoh, Melaka plant. The plant, covering an area of 46,543 square feet, can produce up to 50,000 cars per year.
In 2014, a second assembly line was launched, allowing Honda Malaysia to double their annual production to 100,000 units of vehicles annually and 400 units daily.
Volvo Shah Alam
The Volvo Car Manufacturing Malaysia plant, located in Shah Alam, is the oldest automotive assembly plant in Malaysia. It began operations in March 1967 through the assembly of the Volvo 144.
Interestingly, it is also the first Volvo plant opened outside of Volvo’s home country, Sweden. Today, the plant produces a range of Volvo PHEV and BEV cars such as XC90 Recharge, XC60 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, and C40 Recharge.
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