Although unknown to us, The Malaysian automotive industry in Southeast Asia is quite rich compared to neighboring countries. The former British colony does have a few national manufacturers that dominate the domestic market today. Leader Perodua in 2022 won 44% of the market. With Toyota and Daihatsu as major shareholders, it distributes low-cost models in countries most from the Daihatsu range. The second, Proton, got 22% of the Malaysian cake. Offering models in the same philosophy as its competitor, it is known for its presence here distributed Citroën AX from 1996 to 2000, which was named Tiara. Finally, the third place in the rating is occupied by Toyota with a market share of 16%. It has been around since 1982 and the creation of a joint venture with United Motor Works (UMW).

A new start in the electric race

Another achievement of the Malaysian market in 2022 is explosion of sales of electric cars. In 2021, there were only 274 of them, and they have grown to 2631 units last year! The democratization of this technology, which is not new, has allowed in recent years emergence of new producers. Malaysia is no exception, and the young startup has just introduced its first model: the Hiperon. baptized Foslin, this Malaysian SUV was actually designed in Poland and developed in the United States. It is about the second model of the brand after Carrier, an electric van which can be sold here. Fosslin presents a very trendy design at the moment: design a SUV coupe.

A coupe SUV that lacks sophistication

for Length 4.89 m, width 1.90 m, this rookie is a good kid. It displays the codes of its main competitors: sloping roofline, short overhangs and low height (height only 1.69 m). Some aspects of his line are quite original. Starting with his “suicide” doors with antagonistic opening. Two-stage headlights in front emphasize the radiator grille, which can optionally be illuminated. The stern is quite elegant, despite the generally chunky silhouette, which very lacking in sophistication. In the same style as the 2010 Spyker D8 or the newer Geely Tugella. This is less true inside, p a streamlined atmosphere that envelops the four seats, a panoramic roof and a steering wheel with a very original design. He offers two engines: electric or hydrogen. One thing or another is developing up to 487 horsepower for 450 kilometers of autonomy. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 260 km/h. The Fosslin Hiperon is expected to enter production this year, 10 copies are already planned for the third quarter. From there, we will know whether it will touch Europe on our roads, it is still too early to talk about it.