SAIC Motor Malaysia has announced it will commence local assembly of MG vehicles in the first half of 2026, partnering with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) to produce the brand’s first locally-assembled electric vehicle at a facility in Melaka.

The announcement, made by SAIC Motor Malaysia Managing Director Emory Qi on 15 October 2025, marks a significant step in the Chinese automaker’s regional expansion strategy. The event was attended by Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid, Chairman of the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), and Hamidon Bin Abdullah, Executive Chairman of EPMB, along with industry stakeholders and media.

Since launching in Malaysia just over a year ago, SAIC Motor has rapidly expanded its dealership network to 26 MG Motor Authorised Dealerships nationwide, with three locations in Sarawak and three more planned. The brand currently offers five models, including the all-electric MG5 EV, as it pivots toward green energy vehicles. Malaysia has also emerged as the top-performing market in Asia (excluding China) and Oceania for the MG Cyberster, the brand’s all-electric roadster.

“This remarkable journey would not have been possible without the support of our dealers, business partners, media, and colleagues. Local assembly will be a key milestone that brings us closer to customers while reinforcing our role as a regional hub for MG. Today’s 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. 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.”

Emory Qi, SAIC Motor Malaysia Managing Director

The collaboration with EPMB will see the Melaka facility equipped to assemble multiple vehicle types, including battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The partnership focuses on three key priorities: affordability, faster delivery, and stronger localisation, aligning with SAIC Motor’s green energy vehicle roadmap unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025.

“We are pleased to partner with SAIC Motor — our second state-owned OEM partner — to assemble the MG models in Malaysia. One will be the first electric vehicle locally assembled at our Melaka plant. Through collaboration with local suppliers, we will accelerate localisation, including battery pack assembly for MG vehicles, enhancing our value proposition and better serving the Malaysian market,”

Hamidon bin Abdullah, Executive Chairman of EPMB

SAIC Motor Malaysia cited several factors supporting its decision to establish local assembly operations in the country. The 50-year diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and China provides a foundation for collaboration, while Malaysia’s strategic position within ASEAN makes it an ideal hub for regional distribution.

Beyond vehicle production, the investment is expected to generate employment opportunities, strengthen the local automotive vendor ecosystem, and establish groundwork for future research and development activities in Malaysia.

.

Photos courtesy of SAIC Motor Malaysia