KULIM: Chery Auto Malaysia has rolled-off the first Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit of the OMODA E5 from Inokom Plant here, the Chinese automaker's first fully electric vehicle for the Malaysian market.
Chery Auto Malaysia president Leo Chen said the accomplishment demonstrates Chery's commitment to improving local manufacturing capabilities, promoting Malaysia's industrial growth, and contributing to the country's transition to a sustainable, electrified automotive future.
He said the OMODA E5, known for its modern design and advanced technology, represents Chery's dedication to delivering high-quality vehicles tailored to the preferences of Malaysian consumers.
"Today's roll-off of Chery's first CKD unit of the OMODA E5 is a testament to our dedication to innovation, quality, and our commitment to the Malaysian market.
"By assembling our cars locally, it not only allows us to provide more competitive pricing but also signifies Chery's long-term commitment in Malaysia, fostering job creation and skill development within the local workforce," he said after the launching ceremony by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong.
Present was Sime Darby Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson.
Chen added that the initiative is in-line with the government's policy of localisation compliance and will support and assist Malaysia to become a regional hub for electric vehicles.
In his speech, Liew remarked that the launching of Chery OMODA E5 is a milestone in Malaysia's automotive industry.
"As of 30 September 2024, there are 32,543 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) registered on Malaysian roads. However, 98% of these BEVs are imported as Completely Built-Up (CBU) units.
"Before this, only Volvo and Mercedes-Benz assembled EVs locally. With today's launch, Chery becomes another brand to assemble EVs in Malaysia, marking a significant step forward to localise EV production.
"Localising as much as possible in terms of manufacturing of vehicles has a balance of payment dimensions.
"Chery should be congratulated for the fact that 99% of their assembly workforce here are Malaysians," he said.
Liew added that the industrialisation of Malaysia must mean better jobs and better pay for Malaysians, not more jobs for unskilled foreign workers.
"Whenever possible, we should automate more and use more technology, instead of hiring unskilled foreign workers," he said.
Liew added that Malaysia has revised its xEV (which includes all forms of electric hybrids) share of TIV in accordance with the aspirations of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) to 20 per cent in 2030, 50 per cent in 2040 and 80 per cent in 2050.
Meanwhile, Chery Auto Malaysia in a statement said the OMODA E5 has joined Chery's lineup of models currently assembled in Kulim, which includes TIGGO 7 PRO, TIGGO 8 PRO, and OMODA 5.
It said the vehicle, launched in March, marked Chery's entry into the Malaysian electric vehicle market in Malaysia with its first pure electric model.
The OMODA E5 features an advanced electric drivetrain delivering 201hp and 340Nm of torque, a 430km WLTP range, and a 61kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that supports fast DC charging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in just 28 minutes.
Additionally, it includes ADAS 2.5, which integrates advanced sensors, AI, and connectivity to enhance the driving experience.