2025 Malaysia Car of the Year Award Winners to Be Announced on January 22
The Malaysian automotive market remained active in 2025, with strong sales and a steady influx of new models across segments. The range of choices for buyers is wider than ever, particularly as electrified vehicles — both hybrids and pure EVs — gain traction.
New buyers and seasoned shoppers alike can find the Malaysia Car of the Year Awards (MCOTY) a useful reference. Starting in 2002, MCOTY is the country’s longest-running automotive awards programme, spotlighting the most noteworthy new vehicles each year. The awards are organised in partnership with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii) under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
Strong Market in 2025
Malaysia’s automotive industry recorded 820,752 new vehicle sales in 2025, marking the second consecutive year with more than 800,000 units sold and setting new records for both monthly and quarterly volumes. This came on the back of resilient consumer demand, favourable financing conditions, and growth in the electrified vehicle segment.
The sustained market momentum reflects broader economic stability, including GDP expansion and lower financing costs, which helped keep vehicle buying accessible.
Gala Dinner at Menara MITI
The 2025 MCOTY winners will be unveiled on January 22, 2026, at a Gala Dinner hosted at Menara MITI in Kuala Lumpur. The event will be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, MITI Minister Dato’ Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, MARii leadership, government officials and industry figures.
EVs in Focus, ICE Still Relevant
Following last year’s trend, 2025’s awards place increased emphasis on EVs in line with Malaysia’s long-term push toward electric mobility and the carbon neutrality goal by 2050. Despite this, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles remain the majority of sales, meaning they are strong contenders in the awards as well.
Panel and Evaluation
MCOTY’s judging panel includes seasoned motoring journalists alongside younger media members to balance experience with fresh perspectives. Professionals from outside traditional automotive media also contribute to a broader range of evaluations.
Yamin Vong, Founder of MCOTY, said: “The history of MCOTY shows how the market has changed over 20 years. And as it has changed, so too has the assessment process to keep with the times. Today, we also have to look at electric powertrain efficiency and eco-friendliness, while safety is even more advanced with ADAS.”
He added, “Each buyer may have different requirements so the list of winners can be a reference or starting point for car buyers. We urge them to also experience for themselves the models they are interested in. Every car has merits and what we present as the winners recognize those that are most outstanding in design, innovation, performance, user experience, safety and value.”
Shortlist and Awards
During the qualification period, more than 200 new models launched in Malaysia, with 120 shortlisted across 22 awards spanning the main segments: SUV, Crossover, Sedan, Hatchback and Pick-up Truck.
MCOTY also includes special recognitions for industry contributors and a People’s Choice Award, determined by public voting held in December.
CarTok Editor’s Note:
With back-to-back record sales and an expanding lineup of electrified options, the 2025 MCOTY winners will offer a clear snapshot of where Malaysia’s car market is heading. Its less about declaring a “perfect car” but more about narrowing the field to the ones that genuinely stand out.
