Zeekr has officially confirmed its plans for local assembly (CKD) of its models here in Malaysia. Speaking at a media event last night, Zeekr Malaysia General Manager, Eddy Lu, highlighted that this will make Malaysia the first market outside of China to assemble Zeekr models – a reflection of the marque’s “long term confidence” in the country as one of its key strategic market.
No timeline has been announced yet for the CKD project, but Lu did reveal in his address that the first model to be locally assembled here will be the Zeekr 7X, by far its most popular model on sale in Malaysia.
Zeekr’s CKD plans in Malaysia have long been in the works, with the idea first revealed by Zeekr Southeast Asia head Alex Bao to a press gaggle back in May 2025. Afterwards, local carmaker Proton, which is also under the same Geely umbrella, confirmed that Zeekr will be amongst the “premium brands” setting up shop in the country.
The Chinese marque’s assembly facilities will most likely be based in Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, where parent company Geely has committed to investing some RM39.5 billion over the next 10 years.
“Through CKD, we aim to strengthen supply efficiency, enhance the competitiveness [of our products], and also to create deeper roots in this local market,” Lu said yesterday. “This is a milestone in our commitment to grow together in Malaysia for Malaysia.”
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With the conclusion of tax exemptions for fully imported electric vehicles at the end of 2025, local assembly will be vital if electric carmakers intend to stay competitive in the Malaysian market – not just for tax reasons, but also due to a new regulation introduced by the Ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI) that imposes a RM250,000 floor price for all imported EV models moving forward.
As the first assembly plant for Zeekr outside of China, we expect Zeekr vehicles produced here to also be exported to neighbouring countries, making Malaysia one of its key right-hand-drive production hubs.
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