SAIC Motor to assemble MG cars in Malaysia by 2026, eyes ASEAN hub role

KUALA LUMPUR: MG isn’t just selling cars in Malaysia anymore — it’s getting ready to build them here too. SAIC Motor Malaysia today confirmed that local assembly (CKD) of MG models will begin in Melaka by the first half of 2026, a move that could turn Malaysia into MG’s regional hub for ASEAN.

The plan was announced by Emory Qi, Managing Director of SAIC Motor Malaysia, during an event attended by Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid, Chairman of MARii, and En. Hamidon Abdullah, Executive Chairman of EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) — the company set to assemble MG vehicles locally.

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Local Assembly in Melaka

Production will take place at EPMB’s facility in Melaka, which will be equipped to handle battery-electric (BEV), hybrid (HEV) and petrol (ICE) powertrains on a single line. The first vehicle to undergo assembly there will be the MG S5 EV, a compact family SUV with decent range and pricing.

The move aligns with SAIC Motor’s Green Energy Vehicle roadmap first presented at Auto Shanghai 2025, focusing on three key goals — affordability, faster delivery and stronger localisation.

“Local assembly will be a key milestone that brings us closer to customers while reinforcing our role as a regional hub for MG,” said Qi. “Our assembly line will fully meet customer demand, ensuring a smoother and faster ownership experience. Most importantly, quality is non-negotiable — every locally assembled vehicle will undergo stringent global-level inspections through SAIC’s Quality Sustenance Programme.”

Since its official entry into Malaysia just over a year ago, SAIC Motor Malaysia has quickly expanded to 26 MG Motor dealerships nationwide, including three in Sarawak, with three more opening soon.
Its five-model line-up now includes the MG S5 EV, marking its growing push into electric mobility.

Meanwhile, the MG Cyberster has been a surprise hit — so much so that Malaysia now ranks as MG’s top-performing market in Asia and Oceania for the all-electric roadster.

“This remarkable journey would not have been possible without the support of our dealers, business partners, media, and colleagues,” Qi added.

Malaysia as the ASEAN Production Base

During the event, SAIC Motor also showed a slide outlining its aim to make Malaysia MG’s ASEAN hub, serving as the brand’s assembly and export base for both BEV and ICE models across the region.

“We are honoured to collaborate with SAIC Motor Malaysia in assembling our first fully electric vehicle at our Melaka plant — a significant milestone for both EPMB and Malaysia’s EV landscape,” said Hamidon. “Together, we aim to advance the nation’s EV ecosystem, accelerate localisation, and strengthen our value proposition for Malaysian customers.

According to SAIC, Malaysia’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and 50-year trade relationship with China made it an ideal choice for investment. Beyond building cars, the project is expected to create local jobs, boost supplier activity, and strengthen Malaysia’s role in the regional automotive supply chain.

“Today’s announcement is only the beginning,” Qi said in closing. “Together with our partners and local talent, we are building a future where innovation, sustainability, and opportunity drive Malaysia forward with MG.”

At present, SAIC Motor Malaysia offers a varied MG lineup that spans electric, petrol, and hybrid segments. Key models include the MG 4 EV hatchback, MG ZS EV SUV, and MG S5 EV sporty SUV — all part of the EV push.

On the petrol/ICE side, the MG HS SUV (1.5 litre turbo) and the MG 5 fastback sedan (1.5 litre, CVT) are available. The brand’s flagship electric roadster, the MG Cyberster, is also sold locally.

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