Quick look
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For the second consecutive year, an electric vehicle was chosen as Overall Car of the Year.
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Over 200 new models were launched in 2025, with 130 short-listed for assessment by the 13-member judging panel.
The Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) Awards were presented recently to recognise the best in the Malaysian automotive ecosystem in 2025. With the exception of a couple of years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has been run annually since 2002 and the event was the 21st edition.
MCOTY, founded by Yamin Vong, was originally associated with the NST Group and then spun off as an independent event. Today, it has the support of Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii – an agency under MITI) as a partner and co-organizer. The event serves as a definitive platform showcasing the evolution of the nation’s automotive landscape.
“Platforms such as MCOTY play an important role in reflecting the direction of Malaysia’s industrial and trade agenda, particularly as the automotive sector transitions towards higher value-added, technology-driven, and sustainable manufacturing. The continued collaboration between government, OEMs, suppliers, and technology providers will be critical in strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness, supporting local industry players, and positioning the country as a key automotive and mobility hub in the region”, said Sim Tze Tzin. Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
Dawn of the electric era
The Overall MCOTY was the ZEEKR 009 Ultra Luxury, a fully electric premium MPV. This is the second year in a row that an EV has won the overall title (last year’s winner was the BYD Seal). That an EV has won two years in a row signals the end of the ‘early adoption’ phase for EVs as the trend towards electric mobility accelerates.
While there were other notable electric MPVs, the score given by the judges topped all others across 8 categories: Appearance, Safety, Ergonomics, Value for Money, Practicality, Performance, Energy Efficiency, and Warranty.
The ZEEKR 009 did not just win on its green credentials; it dominated the judging panel’s scorecard by blending high-performance electric powertrains with levels of refinement usually reserved for bespoke luxury limousines, the 009 has effectively set a new benchmark for what the Malaysian public can expect from high-end electrified transport.
The panel of 13 judges, which included a doctor and lawyer, were impressed by the model’s advanced electric powertrain technology, high levels of refinement, comprehensive safety features, and luxury-oriented execution, setting the benchmark not only for premium MPVs but also EVs.
Automotive Person of the Year
The prestigious Automotive Person of the Year (APOY) award was presented to Dato’ Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, the President & CEO of Perodua, the nation’s leading automaker. His recognition stems from leading the Malaysian automaker during a pivotal year for the national carmaker where he balanced record-breaking sales volumes with future-focused industrial development.
Under his stewardship, several critical milestones were entered into Perodua’s history. These include the program which saw an EV developed from scratch within 28 months, strong support and development of the automotive ecosystem which has ensured economic stability for thousands of workers. He has played a crucial role in strengthening the national carmaker’s market leadership while driving operational excellence, localisation, and accessibility for Malaysian consumers.
The People’s Choice Award
While the MCOTY judging panel consists primarily of motoring journalists with much experience in assessing new vehicles, the organisers also gave the Malaysian public an opportunity to be involved in the event by voting for their choice. Through an online exercise held in December 2025, votes were received for various popular models.
While EVs have been very much in the news, the People’s Choice Award 2025 demonstrated that many Malaysian buyers still have a preference for cars with internal combustion engines (ICE). In this regard, the choice was the Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship, updated in 2025 with a new engine. The choice is not surprising as the X50 offers a balance of intelligent technologies, advanced safety, turbocharged performance and good value for money.
Automotive ecosystem winners
“Beyond recognising individual vehicles, MOCOTY awards also acknowledge the wider ecosystem, including suppliers, vendors, and supporting partners, whose contributions are essential to product development, manufacturing quality, and long-term industry sustainability aligned with our National Automotive Policy,” said Azrul Reza Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of MARii.
In line with MARii’s role in supporting the development of a resilient and competitive automotive industry, MCOTY 2025 again featured an expanded set of award categories recognising excellence beyond vehicle performance alone, including automotive suppliers, sustainability and ESG practices, energy efficiency, and industry enablers. These industry partners critically contribute to vehicle development, manufacturing quality, and building long-term industry capability.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof noted that the dominance of electrified winners aligns perfectly with national energy transition goals. “The Malaysia Car of the Year Awards reflect how far the nation’s automotive industry has progressed, not only in terms of scale but also in innovation and sustainability. The growing presence of electric vehicles among top award winners demonstrates Malaysia’s readiness to embrace cleaner and smarter mobility solutions,” he said.
2025 MALAYSIA CAR OF THE YEAR
AWARD WINNERS
Overall 2025 Car of the Year
ZEEKR 009 Ultra Luxury
Automotive Person of the Year
Perodua President & CEO,
Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad
SUV (Below RM200,000)
JAECOO J8 AWD
*SUVs have all-wheel drive
SUV (RM200,00 – RM500,000)
ZEEKR 7X AWD Performance
SUV (Above RM500,000)
Porsche Macan Turbo EV
Crossover ICE (Below RM120,000)
Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship
*Crossovers have only 2WD
Crossover ICE (Above RM120,000)
JAECOO J8 2WD
Crossover xEV (Below RM120,000)*
Chery TIGGO Cross1.5 Hybrid CSH
*xEV refers to all electrified vehicles
Crossover xEV (Above RM120,000)
JAECOO J7 PHEV
Sedan (Below RM150,000)
Proton Saga 1.5 Premium
Sedan (RM150,000 – RM500,000)
Toyota Camry XV80
Sedan (Above RM 500,000)
BMW M2
MPV xEV
ZEEKR 009 Ultra Luxury
MPV ICE
Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Prestige
Pick-up Truck
Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel
Hatchback
MINI Aceman SE
Performance
MG Cyberster
Best xEV
Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury
Best ICE
Proton Saga 1.5 Premium CVT
Best Entry-Level xEV
Proton e.Mas 5 Premium
SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS
Innovative Transition towards Zero Emission Mobility
Nissan KICKS e-POWER
Introducing Low Carbon Mobility to Malaysia Premium Airport
Grab with BYD M6
Best EV-Friendly Property Development Company
Sime Darby Properties
Excellence in Automotive Sustainability Management Best Practices
Perodua
Best Selling Car Brand
Perodua
People’s Choice Award
Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship
Rakyat’s Choice MPV Roadshow
XPENG X9 EV
AUTOMOTIVE ECOSYSTEM AWARDS
Special Mention – Contribution to Government Effort in EV
Perodua
Best Local Automotive Supplier
Asian Automotive Steels Sdn Bhd
Automotive Supplier
Delloyd Electronics Sdn Bhd
Most Energy Efficient Vehicle
Chery TIGGO 8 PHEV 1.5 FWD
CARSOME Best Resale Value Brand
Perodua
Excellence in EV Infrastructure & Connectivity
TNB Electron
