EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BAIC International Development, a part of the Beijing Automotive Group, to explore the possibility for the local production of the BAIC X55 II and BJ40 Plus SUVs here in Malaysia.
According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the two companies would explore local assembly of future right-hand drive (RHD) internal combustion engine and fully-electric (EV) models, and also jointly further develop BAIC-branded RHD EVs to cater to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian RHD markets.
Should both parties reach a definitive agreement, EPMB will also be establishing a sales and after-sales service network for BAIC in Malaysia, in addition to the production of the aforementioned vehicles – and their related parts – with the goal of obtaining policy support from the Malaysian government.
While the Bursa filing does not reveal where the cars would be assembled, EPMB is currently setting up a new manufacturing facility in Pegoh, Melaka, which it will be utilising for the assembly of the BlueShark electric motorcycle.
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The Malaysian company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary PEPS-JV, has secured a conditional approval from the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) to manufacture and assemble energy efficient vehicles (EEVs) and electric vehicles in both passenger and commercial categories.
In addition to Blueshark, the company also recently signed agreements with a whole slew of EV brands, including China’s Lingbox Auto and California’s Saean Group, to develop, assemble, and distribute their vehicles in Malaysia as well as the Southeast Asia region.
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GALLERY
When will BAIC Beijing X55 II arrive in Malaysia