The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), with support from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Tourism Malaysia, has organised an ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 (AUD 2025) to promote sustainability in mobility.
“The ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 exemplifies the region’s collective strength in advancing sustainable mobility while reinforcing economic integration and environmental stewardship. Malaysia, through initiatives such as the ASEAN Automotive Institute Alliance, is committed to shaping a unified mobility ecosystem that accelerates innovation, harmonizes 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,” said MITI minister, Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Landmark initiative by Malaysia
Flagged off yesterday, AUD 2025 is a landmark initiative that underscores Malaysia’s leadership in advancing green mobility, cross-border collaboration, and automotive innovation across Southeast Asia.
As Malaysia holds the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, AUD 2025 reinforces the country’s role in leading the region’s transition towards green and smart mobility.
2 convoys to cover 9,000 kms
There will be 2 separate convoys, with the Proton e.MAS 7 as the official vehicle of the event, will cover 9,000 kms across 9 ASEAN countries. Six of the vehicles are Proton’s EV while another 4 are SUVs from the brand’s X series.
One convoy will travel along the north route, tarting in Hanoi, Vietnam, passing through Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, before reaching Malaysia. The second convoy will begin in Manila, the Philippines, traveling through Sabah, Brunei, Sarawak, Indonesia, and Singapore, before arriving in Malaysia. Both convoys will converge at the 2025 Malaysia Auto Show which takes place from May 9 – 15.
Of note is the fact that the e.MAS 7 is a fully electric model and being able to travel such a long distance across the region shows that the network of charging stations is now extensive enough to make such a journey possible.
This was already possible earlier as proven by a convoy of Geely EX5 SUVs – a similar model to the e.MAS 7 – which travelled from China to Proton’s headquarters complex in Selangor and continuing around Malaysia.
“The ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 is a testament to MARii’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation in smart and sustainable mobility, aligning with the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020). This initiative harmonizes cross-border EV infrastructure, aligns regulatory frameworks, and fosters investment in sustainable mobility. By building an integrated EV network with standardized policies and incentives, ASEAN is positioning itself as a global leader in EV adoption and innovation, while leveraging its diverse automotive ecosystem to strengthen regional supply chains and economic resilience, “ said Azrul Reza Aziz, CEO of MARii.