Ahead of the official launch of the Dongfeng Box EV sometime within the next three months, Central Auto Distributors (CADB), a subsidiary of the Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (Pekema), has now announced the appointment of 23 dealers for the brand across the country.
The 23 dealers are part of CADB’s “first batch” of dealer-partners for the brand, and will be joined by two “experience centres” operated by CADB. The experience centres not only offer customers hands-on opportunities with the Dongfeng Box, but will also serve as “education, training, and engagement” hubs for its customers and stakeholders.
These experience centres are located in Cyberjaya (Wisma Yayasan Pekema) and Kota Damansara, the latter acting as its flagship store. Dealerships locations meanwhile include 12 outlets in the Central region, five in the Northern region, two Southern dealers, two in the East Coast, and one each for Sabah and Sarawak.
Malaysia will be the first right-hand drive market to launch the Dongfeng Box. The supermini EV was previewed in the country last month, although specifications for the Malaysia-market model have yet to be confirmed, as the car shown during the preview was a pre-production model.
Based on Chinese specifications though, we can expect the Dongfeng Box in Malaysia to feature a single front-mounted motor, producing 95 hp (70 kW) and 160 Nm of torque, putting it right in line with the BYD Dolphin. In China, the Dongfeng Box (also called the Nammi 01) is powered by a 42.3 kWh battery pack, translating to a 430 km range (CLTC test cycle).
The on-board AC charger supports inputs of up to 6.6 kW, while DC fast charging should take 30 minutes to go from 30-80% – although the carmaker did not disclose its supported maximum charging rate.
CADB says that the Dongfeng Box has now completed its final research and development (R&D) phase here on our local Malasian roads, ahead of its official launch later this year. The tests included “extensive local survey and road testing” conducted by Dongfeng Motor engineers, amassing over 45,000 km of endurance testing which covered various terrains, driving conditions, and environmental factors across Peninsular Malaysia.
Following the local R&D tests, several features on the Dongfeng Box have been reconfigured to better cater to “Malaysian driver’s specific preferences and requirements”, the company says. These include updates and enhancements to the on-board navigation system, safety features, as well as the infotainment display software.
In a press release, Pekema President Datuk Hj Mohamed Nazari Bin Noordin said, “The appointment of these 23 first batch dealers nationwide signify our unwavering commitment to electrify Malaysia’s automotive industry. This comprehensive R&D process showcases our dedication to offering a vehicle that is not only environmentally friendly but also meets the highest standards of quality and safety for our customers.”
CADB has signed a memorandum of understanding with NexV Manufacturing for the local assembly of Dongfeng vehicles at the latter’s upcoming Chembong plant. We expect the Dongfeng Box to become a locally assembled (CKD) model in the future, but for now, the first batch of the supermini EV will be a fully imported model, which means it should also be priced at a minimum of RM100,000, per the restrictions set by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
READ MORE: Dongfeng Box previewed in Malaysia – BYD Dolphin rival to launch by Oct 2024
