Malaysia-built JAECOO J7 heads to Brunei as Chery ramps up ASEAN export plan

KUALA LUMPUR:  Chery Corporate Malaysia Sdn Bhd, better known as Chery Malaysia, has started exporting vehicles to Brunei, which the company says is its second ASEAN export market.

The move is part of Chery’s wider plan to grow its regional presence, and to position Malaysia as a production and export hub for the region.

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The first-batch export shipping ceremony was officiated by Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice-President, Men Lin Bo, who framed exports as a core part of the company’s regional roadmap. “The export market is a key pillar for our long-term growth strategy in the ASEAN region. We are thrilled to continue this growth momentum of expanding our brand reach to more markets.”

Chery Corporate Malaysia Vice-President, Cheng Nam Weng, said Brunei was the next logical step after the company began exports to Vietnam in February 2025. “Following the start of exports to Vietnam in February 2025, Brunei’s proximity and market potential make it a logical and important next step. This initial shipment of the JAECOO J7 allows us to gauge market reception and lay a solid foundation in Brunei,”

For this initial shipment, Chery says Brunei will receive the JAECOO J7 in both PHEV and ICE form, with the latter being the Two-Wheel Drive variant. All units are manufactured at the Shah Alam plant, and Chery says they carry identical specifications to the models sold in Malaysia.

With Malaysia described as its base for regional production, Chery says it will take a measured approach to growing exports, prioritising “sustainable growth” and focusing first on establishing a stronger foundation in key markets such as Vietnam and Brunei. The company adds that it will closely track performance, customer feedback, and market trends as it plans its next steps across ASEAN.

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