Hyundai's $480 Million Investment in Malaysia: Expanding Production Capacity and Supporting EV Ecosystem
Key Ideas
- Hyundai Motor plans to invest around $480 million in Malaysia by 2025 to enhance production capacity and introduce new vehicle models, starting with multipurpose vehicles and minivans.
- The company aims to expand its lineup to include mid-to-large SUVs and gradually increase production capacity, with a focus on catering to both domestic and regional markets in Southeast Asia.
- In addition to production expansion, Hyundai commits to supporting the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Malaysia, including EV sales growth, charging infrastructure development, and battery production facility establishment.
- Hyundai Motor Group's chief expressed interest in collaboration with Toyota Motor in hydrogen-powered mobility, highlighting discussions to work together effectively in this area.
Hyundai Motor has announced its strategic investment plan of nearly $480 million in Malaysia over the next five years to boost its production capabilities in the region. The South Korean automaker intends to partner with local company Inokom to upgrade its CKD unit assembly plant, transitioning from manufacturing older SUV models to producing new vehicles like multipurpose vehicles and minivans starting mid-2025. The company plans to gradually expand its production scale to include mid-to-large SUVs and aims to reach an initial annual output of 20,000 units. These vehicles will not only cater to the Malaysian market but also target customers across Southeast Asia. Hyundai is dedicated to promoting the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Malaysia by enhancing EV sales, building charging infrastructure, and establishing battery production facilities to support sustainable transportation. The investment decision underscores Hyundai's commitment to contributing to the economic and social progress of the region through job creation and skill development. Furthermore, Hyundai Motor Group's chief, Euisun Chung, has hinted at potential collaboration with Toyota Motor in the realm of hydrogen-powered mobility. Chung mentioned discussions with Toyota to explore opportunities for cooperation in this sector, emphasizing a mutual interest in hydrogen technology. Hyundai currently offers hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles like the Nexo and introduced a new FCEV concept model, the Initium, demonstrating the company's dedication to advancing eco-friendly transportation solutions.