SAIC Motor Malaysia has announced plans to commence local assembly of MG vehicles in Malaysia by the first half of 2026, marking a major step forward in expanding the brand’s local footprint and strengthening its role within the region.
The announcement was made by SAIC Motor Malaysia Managing Director, Mr. Emory Qi, during a special event attended by partners, media representatives, and key industry stakeholders.
Since debuting in Malaysia just over a year ago, SAIC Motor Malaysia has rapidly grown its presence with 26 MG Motor authorised dealerships nationwide, including three in Sarawak and three more slated to open soon.
The company’s current line-up features five models, including the fully electric MG S5 EV, underscoring the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The strong demand for the MG Cyberster has also propelled Malaysia to become MG’s best-performing market in the Asia 1 and Oceania region for the all-electric roadster.
Emory Qi highlighted that the company’s growth would not have been possible without the dedication of its dealers, business partners, media, and colleagues. He noted that the start of local assembly will mark a defining milestone that brings the brand closer to customers while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for MG.
To support its localisation efforts, SAIC Motor Malaysia will collaborate with EPMB to establish local assembly operations in Melaka. The upcoming facility will assemble battery electric (BEV), hybrid electric (HEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles under one roof.
The initiative centres on three key goals — enhanced affordability, faster delivery, and greater localisation — aligning with SAIC Motor’s Green Energy Vehicle Roadmap unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025.
EPMB’s Executive Chairman, En. Hamidon Abdullah, said that the partnership with SAIC Motor marks the company’s second collaboration with a state-owned OEM. One of the upcoming MG models will be the first electric vehicle to be locally assembled at the Melaka plant.
Through collaboration with local suppliers, EPMB aims to accelerate localisation efforts, including battery pack assembly, to strengthen the value chain and better serve Malaysian customers.
Emory Qi added that quality will remain the company’s top priority. Every locally assembled MG will undergo stringent global-level testing under SAIC’s Quality Sustenance Programme to ensure world-class standards. He also stated that the local assembly line will improve operational efficiency and shorten delivery timelines for Malaysian buyers.
SAIC Motor Malaysia identified several factors that make Malaysia an ideal base for local assembly. The nation’s long-standing friendship with China, strategic location within ASEAN, and well-established automotive ecosystem make it a natural choice for regional operations.
Beyond vehicle assembly, the investment is expected to create new job opportunities, strengthen the local vendor network, and lay the foundation for future research and development initiatives in Malaysia.
Emory Qi concluded that this milestone marks only the beginning of SAIC Motor Malaysia’s long-term commitment to the market. Together with its partners and local talent, the company aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and opportunity, further advancing Malaysia’s automotive landscape with MG.
