KULIM: Chery Auto Malaysia reached a significant milestone in its automotive journey with the line-off of the first completely knocked down (CKD) unit of the Omoda E5 battery electric vehicle (BEV) from the Inokom production plant.
This accomplishment demonstrates Chery's commitment to improving local manufacturing capabilities, promoting Malaysia's industrial growth, and contributing to the country's transition to a sustainable, electrified automotive future.
The Omoda E5, which features modern design and advanced technology, represents Chery's dedication to delivering high-quality vehicles tailored to the preferences of Malaysian consumers.
Chery Auto Malaysia president Leo Chen said the first CKD unit of the Omoda E5 is a testament to Chery's dedication to innovation, quality, and commitment to the Malaysian market.
The Omoda E5 line-off.
"By assembling our cars locally, it not only allows us to provide more competitive pricing but also signifies Chery’s long-term commitment in Malaysia, fostering job creation and skill development within the local workforce,” said Chen.
Chen added that the initiative is in-line with the government's policy of localisation compliance and will support and assist Malaysia to become a regional hub for electric vehicles.
Sime Darby Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson said the significant milestone reflects the strengthening partnership and shared vision between Sime Darby and Chery.
"Our expertise spans the entire automotive value chain, and assembly is a crucial area of growth and a key enabler for our motors division.
"We look forward to achieving many more milestones together as we expand our facility and reaffirm our commitment to advancing sustainable mobility solutions," he added.
Liew visiting the assembly line.
During the line-off event Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong praised Chery Malaysia for hiring Malaysians for 99% of its assembly workforce.
"The industrialisation of Malaysia must mean better jobs and better pay for Malaysians, not more jobs for unskilled foreign workers. Whenever possible, we should automate more and use more technology, instead of hiring unskilled foreign workers," he said.
Liew also said there were 32,543 BEVs registered on Malaysian roads as of Sept 30.
However, 98% of these BEVs are imported as CBU units.
Liew said that with the Omoda E5 line-off ceremony, Chery joins the ranks of brands assembling EVs in Malaysia, marking a significant advancement in localising electric vehicle production.
"Localising as much as possible in terms of manufacturing of vehicles has a balance of payment dimension. In 2023, the automotive sector recorded a total import value of RM62.14bil, while total export value was RM18.01bil," he said.
(From left) Chen; Liew; Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry Malaysia (MITI) Deputy Secretary General (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri and Davidson at the line-off ceremony.
Aside from the Omoda E5, other Chery models assembled in Kulim are the Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro and Omoda 5.
Launched locally in March, the Omoda E5 marked Chery’s entry into the electric vehicle market in Malaysia with its first pure electric model.
The Omoda E5 is equipped with an advanced electric drivetrain delivering 201hp and 340Nm of torque, a 430km WLTP range, and a 61kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that supports fast DC charging from 30% to 80% in just 28 minutes.
Additionally, it includes Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) 2.5, which integrates advanced sensors, AI, and connectivity to enhance the driving experience.
As Chery Auto Malaysia broadens its presence in the region, the company remains committed to sustainable growth and elevating customer satisfaction through a continuous stream of innovative products and services.
On the global front, Chery has developed a comprehensive new energy strategy, emphasising the advancement of electric vehicles and the research of cleaner, more efficient green energy technologies.
With rising sales of new energy vehicles and enhanced energy-saving initiatives, Chery’s annual green revenue has surpassed RMB 10.9 billion (RM6.7bil), reflecting its dedication to sustainability and innovation.
This strategy aligns with Malaysia’s goals of promoting green technology and sustainable development.
To further accelerate its electro-mobility initiatives across Malaysia, Chery plans to significantly expand its electrified vehicle (xEV) lineup beyond battery electric cars (BEVs) to include plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) next year.
