BYD Malaysia has appointed Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd. as its local vehicle assembly partner. Inokom is a subsidiary of Sime Motors based in Kulim, Kedah.
The appointment marks a step towards BYD’s plans to assemble completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicles in Malaysia. Both companies formalised the collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding signed at BYD’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, China.
BYD Malaysia selected Inokom after assessing the local market and available manufacturing capabilities. Inokom’s existing assembly facilities, experienced workforce and local supply chain will support the planned operations.
The partnership will allow BYD to use established Malaysian automotive manufacturing infrastructure as it develops its local assembly programme.
Building Local Assembly Operations
BYD Malaysia’s local assembly plans form part of its longer-term growth strategy in the country. The company aims to bring its new energy vehicle and battery technology expertise closer to the Malaysian market.
The partnership also builds on BYD’s existing presence in Malaysia through BYD Sime Motors. Local assembly will deepen its cooperation with the local automotive industry, although the companies have yet to announce which models will be assembled.
The latest agreement establishes a framework for both parties to advance their assembly plans. Further details about the programme will be announced later.
Sime Motors’ Manufacturing Capabilities
Inokom’s vehicle assembly operations and established workforce were among the factors behind its selection. Its existing infrastructure and local supply chain also provide a foundation for the planned collaboration.
The partnership could create opportunities for local businesses involved in the automotive supply chain. It also supports the development of manufacturing capabilities within Malaysia’s automotive industry.
Sime Motors brings existing experience in vehicle assembly, while BYD contributes its expertise in new energy vehicles and battery technology. The collaboration will combine these capabilities as the companies work towards local production.
Agreement Signed In Shenzhen
The MoU was signed by Liu Xueliang, BYD Vice President and General Manager of the Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, and Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime.
The signing was witnessed by Jacob Ma, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, and Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia at Sime Motors.
The agreement marks another step in BYD Malaysia’s plans to establish local vehicle assembly operations. However, the companies have not yet disclosed the production timeline, model lineup or expected assembly volumes.
