BYD To Unveil Malaysia EV Development Plan Within A Week

From Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

SHENZHEN, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD Co Ltd is expected to announce within a week its next move for further expansion in Malaysia, amid questions over whether the automaker will collaborate with a local partner or establish its own manufacturing facility.

BYD vice-president Liu Xueliang said the company would continue exploring cooperation with local partners to support the development of Malaysia’s new energy vehicle (NEV) industry.

“We will continue to explore, together with local partners, how we can better support the development of Malaysia’s new energy vehicle industry. Of course, our development in Malaysia has also been progressing very well. Very soon, we will announce our approach towards sustainable development,” he told Malaysian media after the Asia-Pacific Story session titled “Stories of Industrial Integration” here today.

Asked whether BYD would pursue cooperation with a local partner or opt for another approach, Liu remained tight-lipped, saying: “Wait another week and we will announce it.”

The remarks come amid heightened interest in BYD’s next move in Malaysia, particularly over its local manufacturing strategy and potential partnerships.

BYD’s plans have attracted attention as Malaysia seeks to strengthen its EV ecosystem while encouraging greater localisation and investment across the automotive supply chain.

In May, it was reported that BYD was evaluating a potential contract assembly partnership with Sime Motors’ Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, as the Chinese automaker reviewed its local manufacturing strategy in Malaysia.

Progress on BYD’s proposed manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, appeared to have stalled as of March this year. This was followed by a statement from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) addressing claims circulating on social media regarding conditions imposed on BYD’s manufacturing licence and other related policies.

Meanwhile, beginning July 1 this year, fully imported or completely built-up (CBU) EVs are required to have a minimum declared cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of RM200,000, as well as a minimum power output of 245 horsepower (180 kilowatts).

The new requirements follow the expiry of Malaysia’s special tax exemption for imported CBU EVs at the end of 2025.

Liu said BYD has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investment in Malaysia despite developments that have affected the progress of its plans, while identifying east Malaysia as a market with significant growth potential.

He also pointed to east Malaysia as an area with considerable room for further development, although he stressed that having suitable vehicle models would be key to expanding BYD's presence there.

“We believe east Malaysia still has significant room for development, but first, we hope to have suitable models for the east Malaysian market,” he added.

Liu said BYD's strategy is focused on Malaysia as a whole and is not confined to any particular region.

The session was held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF) 2026, organised by Xinhua News Agency and its partners under the theme "Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action." The forum is being held ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which Shenzhen will host on Nov 18 and 19.

-- BERNAMA