Bei Jing Shang Bao·2025-12-15 13:37Core Viewpoint - Malaysia is becoming a key production hub for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, with companies like Xpeng, BYD, and others establishing local production to tap into the growing ASEAN market [1][6][8]. Group 1: Xpeng's Local Production Initiatives - Xpeng Motors has signed an agreement with Malaysia's EPMB Group to initiate its local production project, marking its third overseas localization effort after Indonesia and Austria [1][5]. - The project aims to achieve mass production by 2026 and serve the right-hand drive vehicle market in ASEAN [5]. - In the first ten months of this year, Xpeng's electric vehicle sales in Malaysia ranked among the top six brands [5]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape in Malaysia - Other Chinese automakers, including BYD, Great Wall, and Chery, are also entering the Malaysian market, with various strategies from vehicle exports to local production [6][7]. - BYD is constructing an assembly plant in Malaysia, set to begin production next year, and has already launched the ATTO 3 model in the market [6]. - The local automotive market is experiencing increased competition, with a focus on cost-effective local production to benefit from government incentives [7]. Group 3: Market Growth and Government Support - The Malaysian automotive market has shown significant growth, with total vehicle sales in the ASEAN region reaching approximately 707,100 units in Q2, with Malaysia surpassing Indonesia in sales for the first time [8]. - The Malaysian government has set ambitious targets for electric vehicle sales, aiming for 15% of new car sales to be electric by 2030 and 38% by 2040 [8][9]. - Incentives such as tax exemptions for electric vehicles and local assembly components are in place to boost EV adoption [9]. Group 4: Industry Infrastructure and Strategic Advantages - Malaysia has a robust automotive supply chain with over 600 parts manufacturers, making it an attractive location for local production [10]. - The country's strategic geographical position facilitates easy access to the broader Southeast Asian market, enhancing the distribution capabilities of manufacturers [10]. - The establishment of local production facilities is expected to drive further investment in the region's automotive ecosystem, as seen with companies like EVE Energy setting up operations in Malaysia [10]. Group 5: Export Trends and Global Market Position - Chinese automotive exports have surged, with a total of 6.343 million vehicles exported in the first eleven months of the year, marking an 18.7% increase year-on-year [11]. - The export of Chinese electric vehicles is becoming a significant component of overall automotive exports, with 2.315 million units exported in the same period, reflecting a doubling year-on-year [11][12]. - China accounted for 68% of the global increase in new energy vehicles, indicating its dominant position in the global EV market [12].