Tech‑driven safety: The twin pillars of Malaysia's automotive evolution

New Straits Times

14-05-2025

THE automotive industry in Malaysia is experiencing a shift now that connectivity and safety - once considered premium add-ons - have now become non-negotiable.
Car buyers today are not merely looking for a means of transport - they're seeking smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility solutions.
This shift is reshaping the landscape for automakers and policymakers alike.
As global trends continue to influence regional demand, Malaysia is carving its own path forward.
The push for electrification and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) reflects both government ambition and consumer readiness.
With the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020) promoting next-generation vehicles and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint outlining long-term sustainability goals, the future of mobility in Malaysia hinges on a dual pursuit: technological innovation and uncompromising safety.
Smart Tech As The New Standard
Malaysians are increasingly prioritising connected features and intelligent systems in their vehicles.
From infotainment integrations to autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, automotive technologies once considered premium are becoming expected - even in mid-range models.
According to MDEC, Malaysia's digital economy is projected to contribute over 25 per cent to GDP by 2025, a growth trajectory that naturally extends to digital integration in vehicles.
This growing appetite for intelligent tech is driving carmakers to reimagine their value proposition.
Modern consumers are more tech-savvy, demanding seamless connectivity, user-friendly interfaces, and safety enhancements that anticipate and prevent collisions.
As such, vehicle software is now as important as hardware - if not more.
Leapmotor, a successful new energy vehicle startup originating from China, embodies the spirit of innovation, much like the potential of inventing something from a blank canvas.
The brand's commitment to in-house technology development sets them apart.
Coupled with award-winning designs, Leapmotor vehicles provide an eco-friendly and technologically sophisticated mobility, featuring advanced ADAS and smart driving assistance - all engineered to satisfy the evolving expectations of today's drivers in the region that puts technology as a core element of the driving experience.
Safety Isn't Optional - It's The Selling Point
Once a differentiator, safety is now a non-negotiable for car buyers.
Organisations like Asean NCAP have helped elevate safety standards in the region, and Malaysian consumers are becoming more discerning.
Features like lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and autonomous emergency braking are no longer optional upgrades - they are deal-breakers.
Real-world data reinforces this shift in priorities.
Studies show that vehicles equipped with AEB can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 52 per cent while pedestrian-detection AEB has been shown to cut related fatalities by 25–27 per cent.
These figures underline why consumers are placing greater trust in vehicles that incorporate active safety systems - and why automakers must continue to make them more widely available.
This emphasis on safety is not merely about ticking regulatory boxes - it is about earning consumer confidence in an increasingly complex driving environment.
Whether navigating city congestion or long-distance travel, drivers now expect their vehicles to serve as a second pair of eyes, intervening where necessary to prevent accidents before they happen.
Adapting To Evolving Preferences
As Malaysia's automotive maturity deepens, consumer preferences are becoming more sophisticated.
Affordability remains crucial, but there's a stronger focus on long-term value - fuel efficiency, digital connectivity, and after-sales service.
Today's buyer is informed, comparison-driven, and future-oriented.
Global brands that succeed in Malaysia understand that a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works.
Stellantis Malaysia has been steadily adapting its portfolio to this reality.
By offering models that integrate technology, safety, and localised design cues, the group continues to build relevance in markets across Asean.
The all-new C10 by Leapmotor signals a thoughtful response to demand for accessible EVs that do not compromise on quality or features.
Equipped with ADAS Level 2 capabilities offering 16 types of advanced safety functions, the Leapmotor C10 has achieved five-star safety ratings across Europe's NCAP, Australia's ANCAP and China's C-NCAP.
At the same time, Peugeot continues to evolve its identity in Malaysia, delivering cars such as the landmark Peugeot 408 fastback that blend signature style with next-generation safety, garnering design awards such as the prestigious 2023 Red Dot Design Award, and smart tech to meet the expectations of today's discerning drivers.
The Road Ahead
As Malaysia moves toward its goals for electrification and intelligent mobility, the role of automakers goes beyond product delivery - it is about shaping ecosystems.
This includes investing in local partnerships, enhancing after-sales service networks, and helping set the tone for safer, smarter transport systems.
For Stellantis Malaysia, this is not just an opportunity - it is a responsibility.
Through its multi-brand strategy and partnerships like Leapmotor, the company aims to make advanced automotive technologies not just available, but accessible.
It's a vision of mobility where safety and intelligence are not privileges - they are the baseline.
As Malaysia navigates this new era, global players who listen, localise and lead through innovation will help drive the country toward a more connected, secure and sustainable automotive future.
*The writer is Stellantis managing director of Asean.