Malaysia’s automotive landscape celebrated another milestone as the DSF.my-Allianz Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) Awards 2026 honoured the industry’s finest, with Proton emerging as the standout winner of the night. Held at The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the prestigious event brought together leading brands, industry figures, and automotive enthusiasts to recognise excellence across a wide spectrum of vehicle categories.
Taking centre stage were Proton’s electrified offerings, with the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV securing the coveted Vehicle of the Year 2026 title, while the Proton e.MAS 5 was crowned Electric Vehicle of the Year 2026. These twin victories highlight Proton’s growing influence in the electrification space and signal strong market confidence in its next-generation mobility solutions.
The 2026 edition of the awards featured 23 competitive categories, including dedicated segments for electric vehicles, reflecting the rising demand and rapid evolution of EV technology in Malaysia. A total of 33 automotive brands participated, underscoring the increasing competitiveness and innovation driving the industry forward.
Expressing his appreciation, Lampard Peng Yile, Head of Department for User Development and User Operation at Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd, described the wins as both surprising and gratifying. He emphasised that customer trust and support played a crucial role in achieving this milestone, marking a significant first for the brand.
Beyond Proton’s success, the evening also recognised a diverse range of standout vehicles. The Mitsubishi XForce earned Crossover of the Year, while the Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid claimed Compact SUV of the Year. In the electric segment, the Zeekr 7X AWD Performance was named Electric SUV of the Year, further showcasing the rapid advancements in EV performance and design.
Representing the event’s co-organiser, Sean Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Malaysia, congratulated all winners and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting innovation in mobility. He noted that the automotive industry continues to evolve in ways that enhance safety, performance, and sustainability for consumers.
Organised by DSF.my in collaboration with Allianz since 2017, the VOTY Awards has established itself as Malaysia’s premier automotive recognition platform. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by DSF.my’s editorial team, with vehicles assessed on innovation, design, performance, comfort, and technological advancement.
Selected Winners of VOTY Awards 2026:
- Vehicle of the Year: Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV
- Electric Vehicle of the Year: Proton e.MAS 5
- Sedan of the Year: Proton S70
- SUV of the Year: Jetour T2
- Family Vehicle of the Year: Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV
- Pickup Truck of the Year: Ford Ranger Wildtrak V6 3.0L Diesel
- MPV of the Year: Nissan Serena ePOWER
- Electric Sedan of the Year: BYD Seal 6
- Supercar of the Year: Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Hybrid
With electrification taking centre stage and competition intensifying, the VOTY Awards 2026 not only celebrated current achievements but also offered a glimpse into the future of mobility—one increasingly defined by innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.
