BYD finalizes assembly partner in Malaysia and switches to existing factory to promote local production

China News Service, Kuala Lumpur, October 15 (Reporter Liu Yuying) Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD Malaysia announced on the 15th that it has officially appointed Inokom, a subsidiary of Sime Darby Motors, as its complete knockdown (CKD) partner in Malaysia. This move means that BYD's production layout in Malaysia has shifted from its original plan to build its own dedicated factory to utilizing the existing assembly facilities of its partners.

BYD said that the two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding at BYD's global headquarters in Shenzhen, China, and plan to rely on Inokom's automotive assembly facilities, technical personnel and existing supply chain in Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia, to promote local assembly business.

BYD had previously planned to build a dedicated vehicle assembly plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, but the plan was subsequently shelved. According to previous reports by local media, the project adjustment involves the export ratio and local sales conditions proposed by the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.

BYD Malaysia managing director Jacob Ma said local assembly is an important part of the company's long-term commitment to Malaysia. By cooperating with Sime Darby, we can make use of the existing local automobile manufacturing base to promote localized production, hoping to introduce BYD's expertise in new energy vehicles and battery technology into the Malaysian market.

At present, the two parties have not yet announced the models to be assembled, the amount of investment, and the production schedule. A memorandum of understanding has been signed on relevant cooperation, but specific production arrangements still need to be further implemented.