Malaysia Car of the Year award goes to an all-electric vehicle for the second year running
The winner of Malaysia Car of the Year 2025 is the Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury. The model stood out for its electric powertrain, safety systems, refinement, and luxury-focused execution. As a result, its win reflects how electric vehicles have moved beyond early adoption. Today, they set benchmarks across multiple vehicle segments.
Notably, MCOTY 2025 marked the second consecutive year an electric vehicle received the top award. This outcome reflects the continued growth of electrified vehicles in Malaysia. It also highlights their increasing acceptance in higher-value and premium segments.
Meanwhile, the Automotive Person of the Year (APOY) award went to Dato’ Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Perodua. He has played a central role in strengthening Perodua’s market position. At the same time, he advanced operational efficiency, localisation, and affordability for Malaysian consumers.
Under his leadership, Perodua recorded strong sales performance. In addition, the company contributed significantly to Malaysia’s Total Industry Volume (TIV). It also maintained a focus on efficiency, quality, and value. Beyond sales, his leadership supported vendor development and workforce upskilling. These efforts aligned closely with national automotive and sustainability policies. They also included the development of Malaysia’s first locally developed electric vehicle, the Perodua QV-E.
A defining feature of MCOTY 2025 was the high share of electrified vehicles among award winners. In particular, several full electric models received recognition. At the same time, hybrid systems and modern turbocharged internal combustion engines featured prominently. Together, these results reflect a gradual and practical transition in powertrain technologies.
Reflecting consumer sentiment, the People’s Choice Award 2025 went to the Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship. Malaysian buyers selected the model through public voting. Consequently, the result highlights growing alignment between consumer expectations and industry priorities. These priorities include technology, efficiency, safety, and value.
In addition to vehicle awards, MCOTY 2025 highlighted the automotive supply chain and vendor ecosystem. This focus aligns with MARii’s mandate to support industry development. The awards recognised the role of industry partners in vehicle development and manufacturing quality. They also acknowledged long-term capability building. This year, Asian Automotive Steels Sdn Bhd and Delloyd Electronics Sdn Bhd received vendor awards. The companies were recognised for engineering capabilities, localisation efforts, and support for OEM and Tier-1 operations in Malaysia.
Commenting on the awards, Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said the programme reflects the progress of Malaysia’s automotive industry. He noted improvements in scale, innovation, and sustainability. Furthermore, he said the growing presence of electric vehicles among award winners shows Malaysia’s readiness to adopt cleaner mobility solutions.
He added that this progress aligns with national and regional goals. At the same time, the government’s focus on energy transition creates opportunities for industry players. These opportunities include investing in green technologies, strengthening local capabilities, and developing future-ready mobility solutions.
MCOTY 2025 winners were selected through a structured judging process. A panel of automotive journalists and industry professionals conducted the evaluation. Judges assessed vehicles across eight criteria. These included Appearance, Safety, Ergonomics, Value for Money, Practicality, Performance, Energy Efficiency, and Warranty.
According to Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, platforms such as MCOTY reflect Malaysia’s industrial and trade direction. In particular, they mirror the automotive sector’s shift toward higher value, technology-led, and sustainable manufacturing. He also stressed that continued collaboration remains critical. This includes cooperation among government, OEMs, suppliers, and technology providers to strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness and regional position.
Similarly, MARii Chief Executive Officer Azrul Reza Aziz said MCOTY 2025 reflects ongoing changes across the automotive industry. Beyond recognising vehicles, the awards also acknowledge suppliers and partners. Their contributions support product development, manufacturing quality, and long-term sustainability. These efforts align with the National Automotive Policy 2020.
In line with its broader scope, MCOTY 2025 featured expanded award categories. These covered automotive suppliers, sustainability and ESG practices, energy efficiency, and industry enablers. Mobility Media organised the awards with co-organiser Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii). Together, they recognised vehicles and individuals shaping Malaysia’s mobility sector.
Overall, the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards continue to serve as an industry benchmark. They recognise progress in technology, sustainability, and consumer relevance across the automotive sector.
- SUV of the Year: Price Below RM 200K
JAECOO J8 AWD - SUV of the Year: Price RM 200K – RM 500K
Zeekr 7X AWD Performance - SUV of the Year: Price Above RM 500K
Porsche Macan Turbo EV - Crossover ICE of the Year: Below RM 120K
PROTON X50 1.5TD Flagship - Crossover ICE of the Year: Above RM 120K
JAECOO J8 2WD - Crossover xEV of the Year: Below RM 120K
CHERY TIGGO CROSS 1.5 Hybrid CSH - Crossover xEV of the Year: Above RM 120K
JAECOO J7 PHEV - Sedan of the Year: Below RM 150K
PROTON Saga 1.5 Premium - Sedan of the Year: RM 150K – RM 500K
Toyota Camry XV80 - Sedan of the Year: Above RM 500K
BMW M2 - MPV xEV of the Year
Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury - MPV ICE of the Year
Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Prestige 7-seater - Pickup Truck of the Year
Ford Wildtrak 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel - Hatchback of the Year
MINI Aceman SE - Performance Car of the Year
MG Cyberster - Best xEV of the Year
Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury - Best ICE Car of the Year
PROTON Saga 1.5 Premium CVT - Best Entry Level xEV of the Year
PROTON e.Mas 5 Premium
SPECIAL MENTION AWARDS
- Overall MCOTY 2025 (Car of the Year)
Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury - 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
AUTOMOTIVE PERSON OF THE YEAR
- Automotive Person of the Year
Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
- Peoples’ Choice Award
PROTON X50 1.5TD Flagship
AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN & AFTER SALES AWARDS
- Special Mention – Contribution to Government Effort in EV
Perodua - Best Local Automotive Supplier of the Year
Asian Automotive Steels Sdn Bhd
NEW AWARDS CATEGORIES
- Automotive Supplier of the Year
Delloyd Electronics Sdn Bhd - Most Energy Efficient Vehicle
CHERY TIGGO 8 PHEV 1.5 -FWD - Rakyat’s Choice Roadshow – MPV Category Winner
XPENG - CARSOME Best Resale Value Brand 2025
Perodua - Excellence in EV Infrastructure & Connectivity
TNB Electron
About Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY)
Established in 2002, the Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) Awards is the country’s longest-running automotive awards programme. Mobility Media organises the awards in collaboration with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
Each year, a panel of automotive journalists and industry experts evaluates vehicles. The assessment covers design, innovation, performance, safety, and value for money. In recent years, MCOTY has placed greater focus on electrification and sustainability. As such, the programme continues to guide consumers and recognise industry performance.
