Chinese carmaker Beijing Auto International Cooperation (BAIC) is betting big on Malaysia to promote it as the hub for electric vehicles to tap the Southeast Asian market.
BAIC has already inked a cooperation pact to this effect with Amber Dual Sdn Bhd, its Malaysian joint venture partner that will translate into a plant in Gurun, Kedah.
Production for the first phase will commence at the unit in July next year, reports Bernama.
The venture, which has earned the distinction of being the maiden initiative by an electric vehicle manufacturer from overseas in Malaysia, is expected to leverage that country's automotive sector.
Besides, the synergy between BAIC and Amber Dual is expected to catalyze their foray into the market in Southeast Asia that boasts a population of 550 million people.
The state-of-the-art technology offered by electric vehicles is also expected to attract suppliers to avail new opportunities in the sector.
Kedah chief minister Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir said the region already had a fast-growing automotive sector and it was constantly updating its technology.
"We already have completely knocked down (CKD) vehicle assembly using normal engines, existing hybrid vehicles and latest electric vehicles. BAIC is the number one company in China as a full-fledged electric vehicle manufacturer and number two in the world," added Mukhriz.
