Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury Crowned 2025 Malaysia Car of the Year; Electrified Vehicles Lead Key Categories
Malaysia’s shift toward electrification took centrestage at the 21st Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) Awards, where the Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury was named Overall Car of the Year Winner for 2025. This marks the second consecutive year an all-electric vehicle has claimed the top title.
Organised by Mobility Media in collaboration with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics & IoT Institute (MARii), the awards evaluated more than 200 new models launched during the qualification period.
Beyond the overall win, the Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury also secured MPV xEV of the Year and Best xEV of the Year, in recognition of its advanced electric drivetrain, luxury-oriented cabin execution, and comprehensive safety technologies.
Record Year for Malaysia’s Auto Industry
The awards followed a milestone year for the local automotive sector. Total Industry Volume (TIV) reached 820,752 units in 2025, a 0.5% increase compared to 2024. This was also the second consecutive year TIV surpassed the 800,000 mark.
Passenger vehicles remained the main driver of growth, contributing 759,098 units.
Market leaders
- Perodua retained its dominant position with 359,904 units sold, representing a 47.5% market share
- Proton followed with 151,561 units
EV Growth Accelerates
Electrified vehicles were a key highlight of the year. The EV segment grew 109% year-on-year, reaching 30,848 units sold.
- Proton e.MAS 7 emerged as Malaysia’s best-selling EV, with 8,677 units
- BYD maintained its position as the overall best-selling EV brand
The MCOTY results reflected this momentum, with electrified and alternative powertrain vehicles dominating multiple categories.
Main Category Winners
SUVs
- SUV of the Year (Below RM200k): Jaecoo J8 AWD
- SUV of the Year (RM200k–RM500k): Zeekr 7X AWD Performance
- SUV of the Year (Above RM500k): Porsche Macan Turbo EV
Crossovers
- Crossover ICE of the Year (Below RM120k): Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship
- Crossover ICE of the Year (Above RM120k): Jaecoo J8 2WD
- Crossover xEV of the Year (Below RM120k): Chery Tiggo Cross 1.5 Hybrid CSH
- Crossover xEV of the Year (Above RM120k): Jaecoo J7 PHEV
Sedans
- Sedan of the Year (Below RM150k): Proton Saga 1.5 Premium
- Sedan of the Year (RM150k–RM500k): Toyota Camry XV80
- Sedan of the Year (Above RM500k): BMW M2
MPVs
- MPV xEV of the Year: Zeekr 009 Ultra Luxury
- MPV ICE of the Year: Hyundai Staria 2.2 CRDi Prestige 7-seater
Other Vehicle Categories
- 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
- Most Energy Efficient Vehicle: Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV 1.5 FWD
Major Overall & Special Vehicle Awards
- 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
- People’s Choice Award: Proton X50 1.5TD Flagship
- Rakyat’s Choice Roadshow – MPV Category Winner: XPENG
Industry & Ecosystem Awards
MCOTY 2025 also spotlighted the companies and leaders supporting Malaysia’s broader mobility transition.
Leadership & Public Recognition
Automotive Person of the Year: Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad (Perodua President & CEO)
He was recognised for guiding Perodua through a major industry transition while maintaining market leadership. Judges cited his push for deeper localisation, vendor development, and his role in advancing Malaysia’s first homegrown EV project, the Perodua QV-E, seen as crucial in preparing the national carmaker and its supplier network for the electrified era.
Supply Chain & Industry Contributions
- Special Mention – Contribution to Government Effort in EV: Perodua
- Best Local Automotive Supplier of the Year: Asian Automotive Steels Sdn Bhd
- Automotive Supplier of the Year: Delloyd Electronics Sdn Bhd
Sustainability, Infrastructure & Market Impact
- Innovative Transition Towards Zero Emission Mobility: Nissan KICKS e-POWER
- Introducing Low Carbon Mobility to Malaysia Premium Airport: Grab with BYD M6
- Excellence in EV Infrastructure & Connectivity: TNB Electron
- Best EV Friendly Property Development Company: Sime Darby Properties
- Excellence in Automotive Sustainability Management Best Practices: Perodua
- CARSOME Best Resale Value Brand 2025: Perodua
- Best Selling Car Brand: Perodua
Policy Support for Cleaner Mobility
Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, who attended the ceremony, noted that the awards reflect Malaysia’s readiness to adopt cleaner mobility solutions in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). He emphasised that future vehicles must combine advanced technology with affordability, supported by a strong local ecosystem.
CarTok Editor’s Note:
Innovation is no longer limited to the vehicles themselves. From mass-market brands and premium EVs to suppliers, infrastructure players and policymakers, Malaysia’s automotive landscape must evolve to keep pace with a rapidly changing industry. The MCOTY awards also serve as a trusted reference point for consumers navigating an increasingly complex market. MCOTY 2025 doesn’t just show better cars — it shows Malaysia’s automotive industry moving in a new direction.
