KUALA LUMPUR: SAIC Motor Malaysia will begin to locally assemble (CKD) its MG vehicles in the first quarter of 2026.
Assembly will take place in partnership with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) at their Melaka facility with the MGS5 EV set to be the first model to roll off the line.
Said facility will be capable of assembling green energy vehicles including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), as well as internal combustion engine (ICE) models under one roof.
“We are pleased to partner with SAIC Motor – our second state-owned OEM partner – to assemble the MG models in Malaysia. The MGS5 EV in particular will be the first electric vehicle (EV) locally assembled at our Melaka plant," said EPMB executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah.
"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," he added.
Three priorities make up the partnership's strategy focuses: affordability, faster delivery, and stronger localisation - all of them aligning with SAIC Motor’s green energy vehicle roadmap vision presented at Auto Shanghai 2025.
SAIC Motor Malaysia highlighted several factors that make Malaysia the ideal location for local assembly. This includes the 50-year friendship between Malaysia and China which provides a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, while Malaysia’s strategic location within ASEAN positions it as a natural hub for regional distribution and growth.
Additionally, the partnership investment is slated to create jobs, strengthen the vendor ecosystem, and lay the groundwork for future R&D development in Malaysia.
“Local assembly will be a key milestone that brings us closer to customers while reinforcing our role as a regional hub for MG, said SAIC Motor Malaysia managing director Emory 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.
“The announcement is only the beginning. Together with our partners and local talent, we are building a future where innovation, sustainability, and opportunity drive Malaysia forward with MG,” added Qi.
SAIC Motor Malaysia has expanded its network to 26 MG Motor authorised dealerships nationwide, including three showrooms in Sarawak and three more on the way, since the brand's launch just over a year ago.
The strong reception of the MG Cyberster in particular has made Malaysia the best-performing market in Asia and Oceania for the brand’s iconic all-electric roadster.
Its five-model local line-up now includes the all-electric MGS5 EV.
