07/06/2026

theSunday Special XIV ON SUNDAY JUNE 7, 2026

Proton doubles down Strong eMas momentum driving major expansion of assembly operations

PROTON is expanding the operational capacity of its EV CKD plant in Tanjung Malim, following strong demand for its eMas models. The expansion involves an additional RM37 million invest ment and comes just nine months after the EV facility began operations. Located within Proton’s Tanjung Malim complex, the EV plant sits on a 5.57-acre site and was originally built with an investment of RM 82 million. In its first phase, the facility has an annual production capacity of 20,000 units. With the planned expansion, Proton says annual production capac ity will more than double to 42,000 units. The plant currently has 391 employ ees, and the expansion is expected to create further job opportunities as ACCORDING to British motoring publi cation Autocar , the next-generation BMW 1 Series will follow a similar strategy to the upcoming 3 Series, where the electric and combustion models share the same name and design direction, but sit on separate platforms. The combustion-engined 1 Series is expected to continue using BMW’s UKL2 architecture, which is front wheel-drive based. Meanwhile, the electric 1 Series, likely to be called the i1, will use BMW’s new Gen6 EV plat form. That also means the electric 1 Series could bring rear-wheel drive back to BMW’s entry-level hatchback. The current 1 Series has been front wheel drive since the third-generation model, while earlier generations were rear-wheel drive. The EV version is expected to use a rear-mounted electric motor, with out puts potentially reaching up to around 322 hp in its most powerful standard form. The Gen6 platform can also support dual-motor layouts, leaving room for a more

Abdul Rashid Musa. “By expanding local assembly activi ties, we are also creating opportunities for talent development, job creation, and the strengthening of the local automotive supply chain as Malaysia moves towards a more electrified future,” he added. Proton has not announced when exactly CKD production of the eMas 5 will begin, but the model is expected to enter local assembly soon as part of the plant’s expanded operations.

7 Phev, Proton’s electrified model sales reached 11,617 units from January to April 2026. This represents a 329% increase compared to the same period last year. “Customer demand has exceeded our initial projections, and this has accelerated our plans to localise pro duction capacity. Beyond increasing production volume, this investment also reflects Proton’s commitment to helping develop Malaysia’s EV ecosys tem,” said Proton deputy CEO Datuk

Proton increases local EV assembly activities. One of the key reasons for the expansion is demand for the Proton eMas 5. According to Proton, the eMas 5 recorded 8,472 deliveries in the first four months of 2026, making it the best-selling EV in Malaysia by a signifi cant margin. To support demand and reduce delivery times, Proton says the eMas 5 will soon join the eMas 7 on the local assembly line. Combined with the eMas 7 and eMas powerful M-badged version later. Design-wise, the next 1 Series is expected to adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language, already seen on models such as the iX3 and upcoming i3. However, BMW says each Neue Klasse model will have its own character, rather than simply looking like a scaled-down version of a larger car. Inside, the new 1 Series is also expected to receive BMW’s latest Neue Klasse cabin layout, including a large central touchscreen and Panoramic iDrive display that replaces the conventional instrument cluster. For combustion versions, power train options are expected to include updated versions of BMW’s current 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. A plug-in hybrid option is also expected to join the range. The next-generation BMW 1 Series is expected to arrive in 2028.

BMW rewrites rulebook

Toyota expands Cruiser empire

increased lateral rigidity from a short ened wheelbase and additional bracing. In terms of size, the Land Cruiser FJ measures 4,575mm in length and 1,855mm in width, making it 350mm shorter and 125mm narrower than the Land Cruiser 250. Its wheelbase meas ures 2,580mm, which is 270mm shorter than the 250 Series, contributing to a 5.5m turning radius. Despite the smaller footprint, the FJ still offers a two-row, five-seat layout with 60:40 split-folding rear seats that can slide and recline. Boot space is rated at 795 litres with the rear seats in use, expanding to 1,607 litres when folded. As for Malaysia, the Land Cruiser FJ may not be an easy case. While its Japanese pricing looks attractive on paper, Malaysia’s engine capacity-based tax structure means the 2.7-litre petrol engine would likely make it expensive here. For context, the Toyota Fortuner 2.7 already costs over RM200,000 locally. If the Land Cruiser FJ does come to Malaysia, a grey import route may be more likely than an official launch, with Japan sales having already begun. said JPJ had informed the transport min istry of abuse and fraud involving the online ownership transfer system, which had created liability issues. While system improvements are needed urgently, Loke advised JPJ to ensure the works do not disrupt regular users or cause major congestion at JPJ offices. Any temporary suspension for system upgrades will instead be carried out during the upcoming long weekend. For now, online vehicle ownership transfer services are back in operation, with system improvements to be carried out separately.

THE Toyota Land Cruiser FJ has been launched in Japan. Positioned below the Land Cruiser 300, 70 Series and 250 Series, the FJ is offered in Japan in a sin gle VX variant, priced at ¥4.5 million (RM113,000) before Malaysian taxes and duties. Visually, the Land Cruiser FJ keeps the familiar boxy shape associated with the nameplate, with a square cabin, flared fenders, U-shaped lighting signa tures, roof rails, side steps, front skid plate and rear-mounted spare tyre. Toyota has also fitted removable seg mented corner bumpers at the front and rear, allowing damaged sections to be replaced individually instead of requir ing a full bumper replacement. Under the bonnet is a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated 2TR-FE 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 163PS and 246Nm, paired with a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system. The Land Cruiser FJ uses a ladder frame platform derived from Toyota’s IMV series. The chassis has been adapted to fit the smaller body, with the process would take five to seven working days upon complete submission of documents. JPJ also clarified that the temporary ownership transfer system (STMS) would remain operational through the eAuto channel. However, the permanent own ership transfer system via eSerahan Tukar Milik (eSTM) had been suspended, requir ing all parties including used car dealers to carry out permanent ownership trans fer applications at JPJ offices. Following the announcement, Loke

JPJ backtracks on transfer freeze

THE road transport department (JPJ) announced late on May 24 May online vehicle ownership transfer services would be suspended from May 25 2026. However, the decision was reversed the following morning after transport minister Anthony Loke said JPJ had agreed to restore the online service immediately. The initial suspension covered all digi tal platforms, including the JPJ public portal, kiosks and service providers such as MyEG and eAuto. According to JPJ, the suspension was made following complaints, including

those on social media, involving vehicle ownership transfers allegedly carried out without the knowledge of registered owners. As a result, JPJ initially stated that all ownership transfer transactions for indi vidual and private company vehicles would need to be carried out at physical JPJ counters. For individual ownership transfers, transactions could be completed on the same day at JPJ state and branch offices. For private company ownership transfers,