The Malaysia Car of the Year Awards 2024 (MCOTY) took center stage at Menara MITI, celebrating innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the automotive industry. Organized by Mobility Media in collaboration with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics, and IoT Institute (MARii), the event honored trailblazing vehicles and individuals driving the sector forward.
This year marked a historic achievement as the BYD Seal Premium (Extended Range) became the first electric vehicle (EV) to win the prestigious Overall Car of the Year award. The vehicle impressed judges with its cutting-edge design, exceptional performance, and commitment to sustainable engineering, signaling a significant shift toward greener mobility in Malaysia.
A key highlight was the recognition of Mohamad Reza Bin Abdul Mutalib as Automotive Person of the Year. Reza has been instrumental in redefining sustainable transportation in Malaysia, playing a pivotal role in introducing four EV-focused car marques to the country. His vision for an EV-ready future began in 2014 with the establishment of First Energy Network, laying the groundwork for Malaysia’s EV infrastructure. His innovative approach blends financial expertise with a passion for motoring, solidifying his position as a transformative leader in the industry.
The MCOTY winners were determined through a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of seasoned automotive journalists and professionals. Eight critical criteria guided the selection: Appearance, Safety, Ergonomics, Value for Money, Practicality, Performance, Energy Efficiency, and Warranty.
The past year has been transformative for Malaysia’s automotive industry, with the Total Industry Volume (TIV) projected to exceed 800,000 units. This growth reflects resilience and adaptability as the sector embraces electric and autonomous technologies. Additionally, the increasing presence of energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs) underscores Malaysia’s leadership in green mobility.
Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, addressing the event, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices. “The Malaysia Car of the Year Awards epitomize a commitment to excellence and innovation. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia has a tremendous opportunity to lead renewable energy transitions and align the automotive sector with broader sustainability goals.”
Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii, highlighted the strategic vision of positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for Next-Generation Vehicles (NxGV) in line with the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020). “This year’s awards reflect our commitment to a competitive, eco-friendly, and globally recognized automotive industry,” he remarked.
The ceremony also acknowledged outstanding contributions across various categories, including vehicles, individuals, and organizations:
Car of the Year 2024 Winners by Category:
- Overall Car of the Year: BYD Seal Premium (Extended Range) EV
- Crossovers:
- RM200K & below: Smart #3 Pro
- RM200K–RM500K: BMW iX1 eDrive20 M Sport
- Hatchback: Volkswagen Golf R
- MPV: Toyota Alphard AH40 2.4 Turbo
- SUVs:
- RM200K & below: Honda CR-V 1.5 V Turbo
- RM200K–RM500K: Volkswagen Touareg R-Line 3.0 V6 TSI
- Above RM500K: Lotus Eletre
- Sedans:
- RM200K & below: BYD Seal Premium (Extended Range) EV
- RM200K & above: BYD Seal Performance AWD EV
- Truck: Ford Ranger Platinum 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel
- xEV:
- Below RM150K: Chery Omoda 5e EV
- RM150K–RM300K: BYD Seal Premium (Extended Range) EV
- RM300K & above: Lotus Eletre
Special Recognitions:
- Best Value for Money Car: Proton S70 1.5 Flagship
- Best Selling Car Brand: Perodua
- Most Energy Efficient Vehicle: Perodua Bezza
- People’s Choice: Ford Ranger Platinum 2.0L Bi-Turbo diesel
- Best EV-Friendly Property Developer: SP Setia
- Automotive Supplier of the Year: Aptiv Malaysia Sdn
- Excellence in Sustainability: Northport
