Malaysian Auto Policy to Stress Connected Mobility

Malaysia’s new National Automotive Policy to be released in the third quarter will emphasize aligning the country’s automotive industry with connected mobility.

Malaysia Automotive Institute CEO Madani Sahari tells reporters at the fourth annual Malaysian auto show that his agency and the International Trade and Industry Ministry are reviewing the policy.

“We are talking to every original equipment manufacturer to determine when they will be ready to produce connected vehicles,” Sahari says.

The new policy will include connected mobility, new-generation vehicles and artificial intelligence.

The theme of this year’s auto show was 360-Degree Mobility Experience. Some 20% of exhibition space showcased connected-mobility technology.

Meantime, the government news agency Bernama reports Prime Minister Najib Razak, facing a general election May 9, says a re-elected government will continue to support the transformation of the automotive industry to achieve mobility needs.

Najib says at the auto show’s opening that the holistic involvement of all stakeholders is crucial in planning and implementing strategies to improve competitiveness in the automotive industry.

“We hope that the aspiration of Malaysians to own electrical cars, to enjoy self-driven cars as well as flying cars, will be achievable one day,” he says.

National automaker Perodua uses the auto show to unveil the Bezza GXtra, which replaces the 1.0 Standard G in the Bezza sedan range.

President and CEO Aminar Rashid Salleh says the Bezza GXtra design is based on customer feedback.

Since going on sale in mid-2016, the Bezza – Perodua's first sedan – has sold almost 100,000 units.