Mitsubishi Motors launched production of its popular XForce compact SUV in Malaysia in early February, as the Japanese automaker looks to strengthen its presence in this increasingly competitive automotive market.

The XForce is now produced at the company’s plant in Pekan, in Malaysia’s central Pahang state, alongside the Xpander MPV. The automaker confirmed it has begun taking orders for the new model, with the first 800 units scheduled to be delivered in April. Prices start from MYR110,000 (US$28,130).

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) confirmed that it installed a new sub-assembly body shop at its Pekan plant to accommodate the XForce, as well as new production equipment in the paint, outfitting and tester lines. The company said that the Xforce is produced “in accordance with Mitsubishi Motors’ globally established production standards, developed through decades of Japanese manufacturing expertise.”

MMM’s CEO, Takashi Sakamaki, said in a statement: “Mass production of the all-new Mitsubishi XForce represents the application of Mitsubishi Motors’ Japanese manufacturing philosophy at our Pekan plant. Built on precision, process discipline, and continuous improvement, these standards ensure that every XForce produced here meets the same quality benchmarks as Mitsubishi vehicles manufactured anywhere in the world. Our priority is to deliver vehicles that embody Mitsubishi Motors’ highest global standards, giving customers confidence, reliability, and pride of ownership from the very first day.”