Chery Corporate Malaysia Begins Vehicle Exports to Second ASEAN Market

Chery Corporate Malaysia Sdn Bhd has commenced vehicle exports to Brunei, its second ASEAN export market, as the company continues to position Malaysia as a regional manufacturing and distribution hub.

The first shipment includes JAECOO J7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and JAECOO J7 internal combustion engine models, all manufactured at the company’s Shah Alam facility, with specifications identical to those sold in Malaysia

“The export market is a key pillar for our long-term growth strategy in the ASEAN region. We are thrilled to continue this growth momentum of expanding our brand reach to more markets.” – Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice-President Men Lin Bo

The expansion to Brunei follows Chery’s first regional export initiative to Vietnam, which began in February 2025. According to Vice-President Cheng Nam Weng, the Brunei market was selected for its proximity and growth potential.

“Following the start of exports to Vietnam in February 2025, Brunei’s proximity and market potential make it a logical and important next step. This initial shipment of the JAECOO J7 allows us to gauge market reception and lay a solid foundation in Brunei.” – Vice-President Cheng Nam Weng

The company has outlined a measured regional expansion strategy that prioritises establishing strong market foundations before scaling operations. Beyond Vietnam and Brunei, Chery Corporate Malaysia has also exported vehicles to Indonesia and Thailand, with plans to enter additional ASEAN markets in the future.

The automaker indicated that its approach involves closely monitoring performance metrics, customer feedback, and market trends to inform expansion decisions. This learning-based strategy aims to ensure sustainable growth across the region.

Chery’s regional export operations are conducted under its OMODA & JAECOO brand umbrella. OMODA targets younger consumers with lifestyle-oriented mobility solutions, while JAECOO focuses on premium off-road vehicles for urban professionals and adventure enthusiasts.

The company’s Malaysia manufacturing base has enabled it to establish a foothold in the domestic market before leveraging the facility for regional exports, positioning the country as a key production center in its ASEAN strategy.

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TQ WULING Launches the Bingo EV in Malaysia from RM 67,800 — Local Assembly, Six Airbags, and an Eight-Year Battery Warranty

TQ WULING officially launched the Bingo EV in Malaysia, introducing a locally assembled compact electric hatchback in two variants: the Bingo PRO at RM 67,800 and the Bingo MAX at RM 72,800, both on the road without insurance. The launch marks the first model introduction under the TQ WULING brand, which is a collaboration between Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH) and SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) — bringing together Tan Chong’s local manufacturing infrastructure and distribution network with SGMW’s electric vehicle technology.

The vehicle is assembled at the Tan Chong Plant, giving it locally assembled status — a distinction that carries both commercial and symbolic weight given Tan Chong’s manufacturing heritage, which spans close to five decades.

“This launch represents a significant milestone for Tan Chong Group as we proudly introduce a highly affordable electric vehicle option for all Malaysians. As the first EV to be locally assembled at the Tan Chong Plant — built on nearly 50 years of automotive manufacturing and assembly heritage — the Bingo EV reflects our commitment towards advancing the nation’s electric mobility landscape. We are honoured to play a humble role in driving Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem forward.”

Daniel Ho, Group CEO of Tan Chong Motor Holdings

“With our expertise in EVs, combined with Tan Chong Group’s strong market presence and manufacturing strength, we are excited to support Malaysia’s green mobility transition and bring sustainable driving solutions to local consumers. The ASEAN region is a key market for SGMW’s overall strategic plan, with key focus on Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.”

Lisa Li, Chief Operating Officer of the Overseas Business Department at SAIC-GM-Wuling

Both variants share the same front-mounted 50 kW electric motor producing 68 PS and 150 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a single-speed reduction gear. The differentiation between the two lies in battery capacity: the PRO is fitted with a 31.9 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate pack, while the MAX steps up to 37.9 kWh. This translates to CLTC-rated ranges of 333 km for the PRO and 410 km for the MAX.

DC fast charging brings the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes on both variants. AC charging via the included 7 kW home wallbox charger completes a full charge from empty in around 4.5 hours for the PRO and 5.5 hours for the MAX — practical figures for overnight domestic charging. A portable 3-pin charger is also included as standard with early purchase packages.

The battery system is SGMW’s proprietary MAGIC Battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate architecture that the company states has been deployed across more than three million EVs globally. The system carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance — relevant in Malaysia’s climate and flood-prone road conditions — and incorporates smart regenerative braking and intelligent thermal management. SGMW characterises the MAGIC Battery’s safety record as encompassing zero fire incidents across its global deployment, supported by comprehensive testing covering overcharge, over-discharge, nail penetration, external short circuit, and heat and fire exposure scenarios.

The Bingo EV measures 3,950 mm in length, 1,708 mm in width, and 1,580 mm in height, with a 2,560 mm wheelbase. The proportions are compact enough for urban traffic and tight city parking, while the wheelbase provides adequate interior space for four adults on daily commutes. The closed front grille adopts X-shaped LED daytime running lights and LED headlamps, a signature element that is echoed by the taillamps at the rear for visual continuity. A two-tone body and roof treatment — body colour paired with a contrasting black roof — gives the car a distinctive appearance. Three colours are offered in Malaysia: Milky White, Neon Blue, and Lavender Purple, all with a black roof.

The interior is built around a dual 10.25-inch screen setup: one digital instrument cluster and one infotainment touchscreen, both arranged in a floating-island dashboard layout. Smartphone integration covers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The centre console houses a rotary gear selector and a two-tone steering wheel, keeping the instrument layout minimal. The driver’s seat is six-way electrically adjustable, climate control uses physical buttons — a practical choice in a car aimed at daily urban use — and the electronic parking brake includes an Auto-Hold function.

Boot capacity is 395 litres with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,240 litres with the rear seats folded — a generous figure for a vehicle of this footprint. The cabin also incorporates 15 storage compartments, a nod to the practical considerations of everyday urban ownership.

The Bingo EV is fitted with six airbags across both variants, which TQ WULING states makes Malaysia the first market globally to receive the Bingo in this configuration. The body structure incorporates 1,500 MPa ultra-high tensile steel in key structural areas. Active safety systems include ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Electronic Stability Control. Driver assistance features extend to Blind Spot Warning, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Walkaway Auto-lock and unlock, and a Low-Speed Pedestrian Alarm.

The Bingo EV carries an 8-year/120,000 km EV battery warranty, an 8-year/160,000 km drive motor warranty, and a 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty against manufacturing defects — all subject to whichever limit is reached first. Six TQ WULING showrooms are operational at launch across Peninsular Malaysia, supported by seven aftersales centres within the existing Tan Chong service network, with further outlets planned.

The first 500 customers who book and place an order for the Bingo EV are entitled to Bingo’s Fabulous 5 Perks package, valued at over RM 12,000. This includes a RM 5,000 cash rebate — bringing the effective OTR price to RM 62,800 for the PRO and RM 67,800 for the MAX — along with the 7 kW home wallbox charger and portable charger, a TQ premium solar tinting package, low monthly financing from RM 625, and a 17-benefit insurance package with specific EV coverage. Online bookings can be made via tqwuling.my with a RM 50 booking fee.

“We have worked hard to deliver an affordable proposition for Malaysian consumers who are ready to embrace the EV lifestyle. With our Fabulous 5 Perks, the Bingo EV becomes a truly compelling choice, combining attractive rebates, convenient charging solutions, and peace-of-mind assurances such as comprehensive insurance and warranty coverage.”

Wan Wei Sun, Head of Business at TQ Manufacturing Sdn Bhd.

Further information is available at http://www.tqwuling.my

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Photo credits: Respective brands

Cover photo: Chery Malaysia