BYD To Build Assembly Plant In Malaysia, Expected To Start Production Next Year

On August 22, BYD Auto held a launch event for its new Seal model in Malaysia. During the event, BYD announced that it will build a completely knocked down (CKD) assembly plant in the KLK TechPark in Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia, with production expected to commence next year.

Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD's Asia-Pacific Automotive Sales Division, stated: "Malaysia has always been one of BYD's most important markets in Southeast Asia. The construction of the assembly plant in Malaysia and the launch of the new BYD Seal not only mark a new chapter in BYD's development in Malaysia but also demonstrate BYD's confidence in deeply cultivating the local market. BYD's commitment is reflected not only in the continuous delivery of innovative products but also in its comprehensive investment in Malaysia's electric ecosystem, including local assembly, talent cultivation, and the promotion of electric mobility."

BYD Seal; Image source: BYD

BYD’s investment was successfully implemented in just three months, thanks to the “Muallim Speed-Lane” project in Malaysia. Launched in 2023, this project aims to promote the Muallim region as a key player in the international automotive industry.

Jeffrey Gan, the Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors Southeast Asia, stated: "BYD has been the champion of the pure electric market in Malaysia for three consecutive years. Moreover, the BYD Seal is also the best-selling pure electric sedan in Malaysia in 2024. Currently, BYD has opened 36 stores in Malaysia."

KLK Land Sdn Bhd, the property subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd, stated in a press release: "The establishment of BYD's assembly plant in Perak is expected to become a catalyst for the development of Malaysia's electric vehicle industry."

The company further stated: "BYD's newly established assembly plant will not only create job opportunities but also facilitate technology transfer, enhance local electric vehicle manufacturing expertise, and promote the development of supporting industries. These spillover effects will provide local enterprises with the opportunity to integrate into the global electric vehicle supply chain, further consolidating Malaysia's position in the regional automotive industry landscape."

KLK Technology Park, developed by KLK Land, covers an area of 1,500 acres (approximately 607 hectares) and features comprehensive infrastructure and an industrial ecosystem to attract high-value investment projects from companies like BYD, thereby promoting the growth of the manufacturing industry in Perak state. BYD will be the core tenant of this technology park, initially occupying 150 acres (about 60.7 hectares) of the park's land.