China's SAIC Motor has announced that it plans to begin local vehicle assembly in Malaysia in the first half of 2026, as the company continues to expand its presence in markets across Southeast Asia. The Chinese state-owned automaker introduced its MG brand in Malaysia in 2024, where it now sells five models, including the battery-powered MG S5 and Cyberster sports car, sold across a network of 26 MG Motor authorised dealerships nationwide, with more scheduled to be opened in the coming months.

Speaking at an event held in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the move, SAIC Malaysia’s managing director, Emory Qi, said in a statement: “Local assembly will be a key milestone that brings us closer to customers, while reinforcing our role as a regional hub for MG. This remarkable journey would not have been possible without the support of our dealers, business partners, media, and colleagues."

Local company EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) will carry out assembly of MG vehicles on a contract basis at a new plant in Melaka, with the MG S5 expected to be one of the first models to go into production. The company also has contract-assembly partnerships with China’s state-owned Great Wall Motors and BAIC Group.

EPMB’s chairman, Hamidon Abdullah, said: “We are pleased to partner with SAIC Motor to assemble MG models in Malaysia. One model will be the first electric vehicle to be assembled at our Melaka plant. Through collaboration with local suppliers, we will accelerate localization, including battery pack assembly for MG vehicles, enhancing our value proposition and better serving the Malaysian market.”

Emory Qi pointed out: "Most importantly, quality is non-negotiable. Every locally assembled vehicle will undergo stringent global-level inspections through SAIC's Quality Sustenance Programme.”