KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) launched the Asean Unity Drive 2025 (AUD 2025) yesterday to promote sustainability in mobility on extraordinary 9,000km journey across nine Asean countries yesterday.
Flagged off by Investment, Trade and Industry minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz at Menara Miti, the landmark effort in advancing green mobility, cross-border collaboration and automotive innovation across Southeast Asia was also supported by Tourism Malaysia.
As Malaysia holds the Asean chairmanship in 2025, AUD 2025 reinforces the country’s role in leading the region’s transition towards green and smart mobility.
The journey will culminate at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025) set to take place from May 9-15 at MAEPS, Serdang.
The Proton e.MAS 7, the official vehicle for AUD 2025, symbolises Malaysia’s commitment to electric mobility, supporting the national EV agenda and Asean’s broader sustainability goals.
The convoy, featuring six e.MAS 7 and four Proton X Series vehicles from Proton and Pro-Net will traverse two routes.
The North Route starts from starts in Hanoi, Vietnam, passing through Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, before reaching Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the South Route begins from Manila, the Philippines, traveling through Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak, Indonesia, Singapore, before arriving in Malaysia.
Both convoys will converge at MAS 2025 for the event's grand launch.
Tengku Zafrul said AUD 2025 exemplified the region’s collective strength in advancing sustainable mobility while reinforcing economic integration and environmental stewardship.
Tengku Zafrul.
"Malaysia, through initiatives such as the Asean Automotive Institute Alliance, is committed to shaping a unified mobility ecosystem that accelerates innovation, harmonises standards, and strengthens Asean’s position as a global leader in next-generation transportation.
"This initiative is a crucial step towards a future-ready automotive industry that benefits the entire region," he said.
Meanwhile, MARii CEO Azrul Reza Aziz said AUD 2025 is a testament to the organisation’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation in smart and sustainable mobility, aligning with the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020).
Azrul Reza.
"This initiative harmonises cross-border EV infrastructure, aligns regulatory frameworks, and fosters investment in sustainable mobility," he said.
MAS 2025 is Malaysia premier automotive event, featuring new model launches, cutting-edge EV and internal combustion engine technologies, immersive test drive experience, and key industry networking opportunities.
With eight exhibition halls, it will serve as a dynamic hub for business, investment, and policy discussions, strengthening the region’s automotive ecosystem on a global scale.
This year's edition will also spotlight Women in Automotive, celebrating female pioneers and encouraging greater participation in mobility innovation and leadership.
