The Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (Pekema) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chinese carmaker Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFMC), represented by China Dongfeng Motor Industry (DFMIEC). The MoU will see the two parties bringing Dongfeng’s S31 electric vehicle (EV) into Malaysia.
Said to be launching here sometime in the middle of next year, the Dongfeng and Pekema will not only be bringing the S31 into Malaysia but is also planning to locally assembled it in the future. This will make Malaysia the Dongfeng S31 EV hatchback’s first right-hand drive (RHD) market.
Built on Dongfeng’s Quantum Architecture No. 3 platform, the Dongfeng S31 is powered by a single electric motor that churns out 161 hp. According to Dongfeng, some Chinese media outlets claim a lesser 94 hp output using a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an energy density of 157 Wh per kg. The Dongfeng S31 is able to carry you as far as 200 km with just eight minutes of charging.
The Dongfeng S31 measures 4,030 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall. This makes it larger than the BYD’s seagull EV hatchback, but smaller than the recently launched BYD Dolphin. It is also larger than one of its main competitors in China – the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.
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In terms of safety, the Dongfeng S31 will be available with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), along with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
Pekema Deputy President cum Acting President, Datuk Hj Mohamed Nazari Bin Noordin said, “Pekema’s collaboration with DFMIEC is a significant step in our mission to usher in a more environmentally friendly era of mobility in Malaysia. The EV landscape in Malaysia is in a remarkable growth environment, and this collaboration places us at the forefront of change. It is a historic event in reshaping the future of transportation in our beloved country (Malaysia).”
“DFMC’s impressive track record and wealth of experience in the automotive industry are significant assets for this venture. Renowned for their diverse car production, including electric vehicles, they are eager to apply their expertise in Malaysia and tap into the country’s promising electric car market. In line with DFMC’s global expansion, Malaysia offers significant untapped potential for right-hand-drive EVs”, he added.
“Today, we gather here in Malaysia as the first stop for RHD model cooperation. This is our well-thought-out decision in the context of the Malaysian government’s great support to NEVs and the sincere cooperative willingness of our partner”, said DFMIEC passenger vehicle overseas marketing department general manager, Zhao Xiaojie.
The general manager also added that DFMIEC will prioritize local production in Malaysia to bring more EV products to ASEAN countries.
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