Chery Malaysia to offer CKD models by Q2 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Chery is planning a solid comeback in the Malaysian market with the automaker aiming to launch the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro by mid-2023.

For Chery, Malaysia is one of its biggest right-hand drive markets and it wants to offer its models as locally-assembled units and not with an imported tag. One of the main reasons being the high tax, the automaker only plans to use the CBU modes as showroom cars or for test drivers - confirms Shawn Xu, vice president for Chery International & president for the ASEAN market.

Where will Chery assemble its cars in Malaysia? Shawn did not reveal any information about the plant’s location or the local partners helping it in the assembly process. However, he did confirm that the CKD models will be only put to domestic use and not exported.

While speaking to the media Shawn said, “Normally, to build a new plant would take at least 3 years to set up, but with a partner that has an existing facility, that can be cut short.” He added, “Chery is targeting an annual capacity of 20,000 units for the first phase.”

With CKD production expected to commence in Q2 2023, the automaker also plans to locally assemble its plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles by 2024.

Which Chery model are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Five-star safety rating for Chery Omoda 5