BYD has confirmed plans to establish a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, marking a major investment in Malaysia’s automotive landscape.
The new facility is scheduled to begin production in 2026 and will cover an expansive 600,000 square metres, making it one of the most significant EV-related investments in the country to date.
The CKD project represents a strategic long-term move by BYD to strengthen its footprint in Southeast Asia while enhancing EV accessibility for Malaysian customers. Local assembly is expected to make BYD models more competitively priced, while also supporting Malaysia’s ambition to become a hub for electric mobility.
Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, described Malaysia as one of the company’s most important markets in the region.
“This is not just about building cars. It is about creating a foundation for Malaysia’s EV future — from local assembly to talent development and wider adoption of clean mobility,” he said. “Together with Sime Motors, we are confident in making EVs more accessible and affordable for Malaysians.”
The factory’s construction and operation are expected to generate new job opportunities, encourage local supplier involvement, and attract further investments into the automotive supply chain. By bringing production closer to Malaysia, BYD aims to reduce reliance on imports, shorten lead times, and provide greater flexibility in adapting to local customer needs.
Industry analysts note that Malaysia stands to benefit not only from increased EV adoption but also from the development of a skilled workforce in advanced automotive technologies, which could have long-term economic spillovers.
With production set to start in 2026, the Tanjung Malim facility will also serve as a potential export base to neighbouring markets. This would position Malaysia as a competitive player within the regional EV ecosystem, complementing BYD’s global manufacturing strategy.
Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Sime Motors Southeast Asia, added, “The CKD plant underlines our commitment to Malaysia’s EV journey. It will allow us to produce vehicles more cost-effectively while ensuring we can respond quickly to local demand. Coupled with our expanding retail network, this investment cements our leadership in Malaysia’s EV market.”
As EV adoption accelerates, affordability remains a key factor in reaching mainstream customers. With CKD production, BYD is expected to offer better value-for-money models, making electric mobility a more practical choice for a larger segment of Malaysians.
The announcement reflects not only BYD’s confidence in Malaysia but also the government’s supportive policies for electrification. Once operational, the Tanjung Malim plant will stand as a landmark achievement in Malaysia’s transition towards a sustainable, electrified automotive future.
