en.Wedoany.com Reported - XPENG has become the latest Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer to begin complete knock-down (CKD) production in Malaysia. In June, the first locally assembled XPENG G6 rolled off the production line at EP Manufacturing Berhad's (EPMB) facility in the HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park in Malacca, less than six months after the two parties signed a localization production agreement.
The initial phase of the partnership covers the XPENG G6 electric SUV and the X9 premium MPV, along with its extended-range version, the PowerX REEV. The agreement also grants EPMB the first right of refusal to assemble three future XPENG models, indicating that the company views Malaysia as a long-term manufacturing base. XPENG produces vehicles in China, is expanding its localization footprint in Indonesia, and has its European vehicles assembled by Magna Steyr in Austria; Malaysia now joins this international production network.
With decades of automotive manufacturing experience, a mature supplier base, modern industrial infrastructure, and expertise in producing right-hand drive vehicles, Malaysia is attracting a growing number of manufacturers seeking to diversify beyond China. Local production reduces transportation costs, shortens delivery times, and enhances supply chain resilience. Leapmotor has chosen Malaysia as its ASEAN production base through Stellantis' plant in Kulim, Kedah; MG has begun assembling the S5 EV in Malacca via EPMB; Great Wall Motor is also collaborating with EPMB to assemble electrified models; and BYD has announced plans to establish manufacturing operations in Malaysia. Domestic automaker Proton is expanding its electrified lineup using Geely technology.
Alongside manufacturing progress, Malaysia's charging infrastructure is also expanding. The Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur recently inaugurated the country's largest AC charging hub, featuring 32 charging bays. Through operators such as chargEV, Gentari, and JomCharge, the highway charging network continues to be developed, and destination charging is becoming increasingly common in commercial developments. Malaysia's electric vehicle policy is shifting from initial tax incentives to stimulate demand toward emphasizing the creation of local value through assembly, parts manufacturing, and technology development.
The first locally assembled XPENG G6 is based on the company's 800V SEPA 2.0 architecture, supports ultra-fast DC charging, and integrates an intelligent driving assistance system. This indicates that Malaysia is not merely assembling entry-level electric models but is beginning to manufacture vehicles equipped with the latest technology. The country is systematically building an electric vehicle industry ecosystem by advancing automotive assembly, charging infrastructure, local supplier participation, and policy incentives in tandem.
