Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) has achieved a significant milestone in its regional growth strategy with the export of the first batch of locally assembled Hyundai STARIA MPVs to Thailand.
The shipment departed Malaysia on 3 June 2026, marking the first time a Hyundai model produced in Malaysia has been exported to an overseas market under Hyundai Motor Malaysia’s stewardship. The move also positions Malaysia as an increasingly important production and export hub for Hyundai in Southeast Asia.
The 10-seater Hyundai STARIA is scheduled to officially go on sale in Thailand beginning 12 June 2026, paving the way for Hyundai’s locally assembled products to reach a wider regional audience.
According to Hyundai Motor Malaysia Managing Director Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, the export programme represents a major achievement not only for the company but also for Malaysia’s automotive manufacturing sector.
“The export of the Hyundai STARIA to Thailand marks the beginning of Malaysia being an export hub for Hyundai. This is a milestone we are proud of, as it reflects our brand’s unwavering commitment to deliver vehicles of global quality while continuing to invest in Malaysia’s growth and development,” she said.
The development comes less than two years after Hyundai Motor Malaysia officially commenced local assembly operations, underscoring the company’s confidence in Malaysia’s manufacturing capabilities and workforce.
The STARIA holds special significance for Hyundai Motor Malaysia as it was the brand’s first locally assembled model following the establishment of its local operations.
Production is carried out in collaboration with Inokom Corporation, Sime Motors’ vehicle assembly facility located in Kulim, Kedah. The plant serves as Hyundai’s manufacturing base for the Malaysian market and now plays an increasingly important role in supplying vehicles to neighbouring countries.
The export programme demonstrates that vehicles assembled in Malaysia are capable of meeting Hyundai’s stringent global quality standards, enabling them to compete in regional markets.
It also reflects the growing importance of Malaysia as an automotive production hub within ASEAN, supported by an established supplier ecosystem, skilled workforce and strategic location.
The STARIA has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive MPVs on sale in Malaysia, thanks to its futuristic design, spacious cabin and premium features.
Its bold exterior styling, characterised by a sleek full-width daytime running light and streamlined silhouette, has helped it stand out in a segment traditionally dominated by more conventional-looking people movers.
Beyond its design, the STARIA has also gained recognition for its comfort, refinement and practicality. In 2025, the seven-seater variant was named MPV ICE of the Year at the Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) Awards, highlighting its strengths in performance, passenger comfort, safety and innovation.
The same qualities are expected to appeal to Thai customers, particularly families and businesses seeking a premium people mover with generous interior space and modern technology.
The first export shipment of the STARIA represents more than just a commercial achievement. It signals the start of Hyundai Motor Malaysia’s broader ambition to establish Malaysia as a key production and export base for the region.
As Hyundai continues to expand its local manufacturing footprint, the success of the STARIA export programme could pave the way for additional locally assembled Hyundai models to be exported to neighbouring markets in the future.
For Malaysia’s automotive industry, the milestone serves as another example of the country’s ability to produce vehicles that meet international standards, while reinforcing its position as an important manufacturing and export destination within Southeast Asia.
