BYD has announced plans to build a CKD assembly plant in Malaysia as part of its expansion efforts in Southeast Asia. The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker made this announcement during the launch event for the updated Seal in Malaysia on August 22. Production at the new assembly plant is expected to commence in 2026.
CKD assembly involves importing components in kit form from the manufacturing country and assembling them locally. This localization effort is aimed at strengthening BYD’s presence in the Malaysian market and enhancing its production capabilities in the region.
Liu Xue Liang, general manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific auto sales division, emphasized the significance of Malaysia as a key market for BYD in Southeast Asia. He stated, “Malaysia has always been one of BYD’s most important markets in Southeast Asia, and today’s dual announcement of CKD and the New BYD SEAL marks a new chapter in our journey here.”
BYD has been actively expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, with a factory in Thailand already in operation since July 2024. The company also has plans to establish a factory in Cambodia to further strengthen its manufacturing capabilities in the region.
The updated Seal, which was launched in Malaysia in February 2024, is available in Premium and Performance options, with prices starting at 171,800 Malaysian Ringgit ($40,640) and 191,800 Malaysian Ringgit, respectively. This marks a reduction of 8,000 Malaysian Ringgit compared to the previous model.
The success of the BYD Seal in the Malaysian market was highlighted by Jeffrey Gan, Southeast Asia managing director of Sime Motors, BYD’s dealer partner. He mentioned that the Seal was the best-selling electric sedan in Malaysia in 2024, reflecting the strong demand for BYD’s electric vehicles in the country.
In addition to the assembly plant announcement, BYD also inaugurated a new store in Malaysia on August 22, bringing the total number of local stores to 43. This move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility of BYD’s vehicles and services to customers in Malaysia.
Overall, BYD’s expansion efforts in Malaysia and Southeast Asia demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and its goal to become a leading player in the region’s electric vehicle market. With the establishment of the new assembly plant and the continued success of its electric vehicles, BYD is poised to further strengthen its presence in the Southeast Asian market.
