04/01/2026

theSunday Special XV ON SUNDAY JAN 4, 2026

New year looks gloomy

revision will have “little to no impact on pricing,” (of a new car). It is worth noting that CKD prices were estimated to increase by at least 10% after the revision. OMV is surely going to be one of the biggest talking points of the year espe cially since its introduction has already been deferred a number of times, but that will need an entirely different article. One that I will address later. As for the report by CIMB Securities, it does also say that despite the challenges of the new year and new taxes, national car makers Proton and Perodua are expected to remain resilient. Their resilience will supposedly be driven by demand from first-time buyers and the mass-market segment. The con tinuation of the RON95 petrol subsidies are also expected to play a part. As for the ever-popular Chinese brands that have taken Malaysia by storm, they are expected to continue gaining market share in the country. Largely due to their pricing strategies.

HAPPY New Year dear readers. Another year has come and gone, and a full year is ahead of us. I personally don’t believe in new year resolutions, choosing instead to carry the good momentum into the new year, refin ing ideas, shedding what has not worked and forgetting about the old. The car industry seems to be that way as well. In 2025, Malaysians were bom barded with about 30 new car launches throughout the year. Car buyers are spoilt for choice these days and in a good way. One of the notable launches last year was the Proton e.MAS 5, a small EV that is big on space. It is the most affordable EV’s in Malaysia and is a great first step into electrification or simply as a daily runabout car. Perodua too launched its first EV, fulfill ing the government’s mandate to have a Malaysian-made electric car. So, what will 2026 hold for the automo tive industry? Industry players are pointing to a gloomy year. CIMB Securities for one has reported

as it includes a revision to the method of calculating a locally assembled car or motorcycle’s open market value, and thus how it will be taxed which in turn affects selling price. The revision to the OMV or PU(A) 402/2019-Excise Tax Regulations (Definition of Value of Locally Produced Goods for Excise Tax Purposes) was sup

that its projections for Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) show that TIV will decline by 2%. Down to 774,000 units in 2026 as compared to 790,000 units in 2025. This is said to be due to softer consumer sentiments and per sistent inflationary pressures. Sale of fully imported electric cars is also due to slow down

WRITTEN BY KESHY DHILLON

posed to be introduced in the year 2020, but was deferred because of the pan demic and then again because of an appeal by the Malaysian Automotive Association. The deferment has not been explained but it could be that calculation mechanism has still not been finalised. According to online reports, MAA presi dent Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain said the finance ministry has indicated the new

with higher selling prices following the expiry of the EV tax exemption. Prices are set to increase in January 2026. Another factor that will affect the slow down is the introduction of the open mar ket value (OMV) calculation. Though deferred by six months and only to be introduced in July, its effect on the market is expected to be significant. The OMV will affect the pricing of locally-assembled cars and motorcycles

Simply electrifying Lexus readies RZ 600e F Sport Performance for 2026 debut

LEXUS is set to expand its electric vehicle range with the introduc tion of the RZ 600e F Sport Performance, a special-edition model that will join the brand’s RZ battery electric lineup. The new variant is scheduled to go on sale through Lexus deal erships nationwide from March 2, 2026, further underlining the company’s push towards a fully electrified future. The RZ holds particular impor tance for Lexus as its first model developed exclusively as a BEV. It has been positioned as the foun dation of the brand’s long-term transformation, combining Lexus’ established driving char acter with emotionally driven design and advanced electrifi cation tech nology. T h e RZ 600e

Drive system, which adds another layer of driver engagement. Together, these technologies are intended to make the RZ 600e rewarding to drive in a variety of settings, from daily urban use to more demanding winding roads. Visually, the RZ 600e F Sport Performance stands out through distinctive exterior finishes and extensive use of lightweight car bon components. Buyers will be able to choose between a black and Hakugin II combination with a matte clear finish, or a black and Neutrino Grey scheme shared with the RZ 550e F SPORT. These colour options highlight the vehicle’s aerodynamic form, while blue accents against the dark bodywork reinforce its per formance-focused identity. The exterior is further defined by special-edition 21-inch Enkei aluminium wheels in a matte black finish, blue six-piston alu minium monoblock brake calli pers bearing the Lexus logo, large arch mouldings, and a carbon hood bulge. Additional carbon elements include the front lower, front side and rear lower spoilers, head lamp bezels, roof, roof and rear wing, front and rear turning vanes, and lower door mouldings, all contributing to both visual aesthetic impact and

the higher output motors to pro vide confident stopping power and assured dynamic capability. Key changes include a 20mm reduction in overall vehicle height compared to the standard RZ 550e F Sport. This lower stance helps reduce aerodynamic drag and improves stability across a wide range of driving conditions. Lexus has also revised battery output limits, allowing the system to deliver a combined maximum output of 420hp. The result is smooth yet force ful acceleration designed to feel both exhilarating and refined. To fully support this performance, the RZ 600e adopts large 20-inch brake rotors, offering stronger braking performance and a more precise, controllable brake feel that enhances driver con fidence during spirited driving. The driving experi

F Sport Performance takes the lat est RZ 550e F Sport as its base, which itself benefits from a com prehensively renewed BEV sys tem. The special edition pushes per formance further by sharpening the core strengths associated with the F Sport Performance badge. A combination of exclusive aerodynamic components and increased motor output delivers stronger downforce and improved stability, resulting in a driving experience that feels more focused, sporty and pro gressive. Braking performance has also been upgraded, with larger brakes working in tandem with

aerodynamic efficiency. Inside, the cabin balances sportiness with everyday com fort. The front seats are produced using an integrated foam mould ing process to provide strong body support during enthusiastic driving while remaining comfort able for daily use. The RZ 600e F Sport Performance features Ultrasuede sport seats in black with blue stitching, complete with driver seat position memory and front seat ventilation. Blue accents continue across the interior, appearing on the instrument panel and a dial-type shift selector finished in black with blue detailing. Special-edi tion black hazel front cup holders and Ultrasuede door trims com plete a cabin designed to feel both purposeful and refined. With the RZ 600e F Sport Performance, Lexus is clearly aiming to demonstrate that its electric vehicles can deliver more than efficiency and range alone. By blending advanced BEV technology with motorsport inspired development and dis tinctive design, the special-edition RZ represents the brand’s most performance-focused electric offering yet, setting the tone for what Lexus envisions as it moves deeper into the electric era.

ence is further elevated by the adoption of a unique steer-by-wire steering wheel, designed to provide a new-genera tion steering sensation. This is paired with Lexus’ Interactive Manual