SAIC Motor has launched vehicle production under its MG brand in Malaysia, in partnership with local assembler EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB), as China’s automotive giant continues its overseas expansion.
EPMB has begun local assembly of the MG S5 battery electric vehicle (BEV) at its plant in Alor Gajah, Melaka, from imported CKD kits on a contract assembly basis, with up to 2,000 units of the model expected to be produced this year.
The Alor Gajah plant has a production capacity of up to 30,000 vehicles annually and also assembles vehicles for other Chinese automakers, including BAIC and Great Wall Motors.
The launch of MG production was marked by an event attended by company and local government officials, including SAIC Motor Malaysia managing director Emory Qi, who stated: “This first line-off of the MG S5 EV CKD represents a significant milestone for MG in Malaysia and reflects our long-term commitment to localising and strengthening Malaysia’s role in the regional electric vehicle ecosystem.
With local assembly, we are able to bring our vehicles closer to Malaysian customers while strengthening the country’s automotive supply chain, supporting local vendors, and contributing to the broader EV ecosystem.”
The locally assembled MG S5 has a maximum power output of 151 kW and 350Nm of torque, while its 62 kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack provides a range of up to 446 km and can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes. Introductory prices start at around MYR 100,000, including a RM7,000 rebate.
