Cars and vehicles in Malaysia

 

Malaysia has a unique automotive scene shaped by local manufacturing, government policies, and a mix of local and foreign brands. Here’s a detailed look:

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Popular Vehicle Types in Malaysia

1. Compact Cars & Sedans – Most common, due to affordability and city driving:

   • Perodua Myvi (Malaysia’s top-selling car for years)
   • Perodua Axia, Bezza
   • Proton Saga, Persona

2. SUVs & Crossovers – Gaining popularity:

   • Proton X70, X50
   • Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross
   • Perodua Ativa

3. Motorcycles & Scooters – Extremely popular, especially in urban areas:

   • Brands like Honda, Yamaha, Modenas
   • Used for commuting, delivery, and affordability

4. Luxury & Foreign Brands – Seen in cities like KL, though taxed higher:

   • BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord
   • Heavily taxed due to import duties and excise duties

5. Electric Vehicles (EVs) – Emerging market:

   • Tesla, BYD, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ora Good Cat
   • Government incentives and zero import duties for EVs are encouraging growth

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Local Automotive Industry

• Malaysia has two main national car brands:

  • Proton – Established with Mitsubishi tech; now partnered with China’s Geely
  • Perodua – More successful in recent years; tied to Toyota/Daihatsu

• ASEAN car production hub – Malaysia has assembly plants for brands like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz

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Driving Culture

• Drive on the left side of the road (like the UK and Australia)
• City traffic (especially in KL) can be intense, with high car ownership
• Highway network (like the North-South Expressway) is well developed
• Touch 'n Go system used for tolls and parking

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Vehicle Regulations

• Car prices are higher due to import/excise duties
• Road tax varies by engine size and vehicle type
• JPJ (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan) handles vehicle registration and licensing
• Annual inspections for commercial or older vehicles