Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has officially taken over operations of the Korean marque here in Malaysia, through the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY). Announced through a post on Facebook, the new company will be headquartered in Menara Affin @ TRX, Kuala Lumpur.
As part of its announcement, the company revealed that it currently has plans for the introduction of three new SUV and MPV models in the short term. Existing Hyundai customers are also encouraged to register and update their contact details via the link included with the post, to ensure a seamless transition, particularly in relation to aftersales services.
Hyundai Motor Malaysia says that the restructuring is a sign of commitment to our country’s growth, reinforcing Malaysia’s strategic importance to the brand’s future. As part of its plans, the company will be expanding its dedicated Malaysian team to a workforce of 100 employees by the year-end, while at the same time upgrading its aftersales service network, growing to 25 outlets by 2030.
“With the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia, we are bringing the strength and agility of a global brand closer to
home. This isn’t just a new chapter — it’s a long-term commitment to Malaysia as a strategic hub in ASEAN,” said Hyundai Motor Malaysia President, Eric Lee.
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On the latter, the company will be expanding its local assembly works through its partner Inokom at Kulim, Kedah, through an investment worth RM2.16 billion, as announced last year. The company has committed to producing seven internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid (HEV) car models at the facility within five years, with some 30% of its production capacity expected to be exported to neighbouring countries.
As its longtime brand steward prior to the establishment of the national sales company, Hyundai Sime Motors will remain engaged in the new business network as a dealer partner. The company will likely also be involved in the local production of the cars, in part thanks to their ownership in Inokom.
Speaking on the transition, Sime Motors Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan said, “We are proud to have played a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth in Malaysia. As Hyundai embarks on its next phase, we remain committed to supporting its sales and aftersales operations — ensuring continuity, confidence, and a seamless service experience for existing and future Hyundai customers.”
Hyundai’s existing model lineup in Malaysia comprises the Creta, the Tucson, the Palisade, the Staria, the Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 6, and the Santa Fe—the latter of which was the last car launched under HSDM.
For the three new SUV/MPV models to be introduced here in Malaysia, we think the Hyundai Stargazer is amongst the most likely candidates to enter our markets. The budget-oriented seven-seater MPV is highly popular in neighbouring ASEAN countries, and will compete against the Perodua Alza, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Toyota Veloz if it arrives here.
Additionally, the newly updated Hyundai Tucson facelift could also make an appearance here, alongside the all-new fifth-generation Santa Fe – both models are already currently available in Malaysia.
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