Chery to assemble EV and PHEV models in Malaysia by 2024 – CKD Omoda 5 EV, Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV?

Chinese carmaker Chery is making its return to the Malaysian market, and along with its push to make Malaysia its right-hand-drive and ASEAN regional base, it plans to locally assemble fully electric and plug-in hybrid models in the country by 2024, the carmaker has revealed.

A host of SUVs from Chery has been earmarked for launch in Malaysia, consisting of the Omoda 5, along with the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro SUVs. These will be locally assembled, and be developed in RHD guise from the outset.

With plans for Chery to make Malaysia its regional base, the fully electric and plug-in hybrid models set for local assembly could likely be the Omoda 5 EV, which has been tipped to offer a WLTP-rated range of 450 km from its 64 kWh battery, powering a 204 PS/400 Nm electric motor. Fast charging from 0-80% state of charge is possible in a claimed 40 minutes.

In terms of plug-in hybrid models, a likely starter will be the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV that was previewed in Malaysia, with the brand’s flagship seven-seater SUV shown at the Chery Malaysia preview event in October.

Shown in regular internal combustion and plug-in hybrid powertrain guises, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in PHEV guise features a1.5 litre turbo engine with a dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and dual motors for 241 hp and 510 Nm of torque. This will enables a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds, and a pure EV range of up to 80 km.

Of the internal combustion engine options, the Tiggo 8 Pro seven-seater was also previewed in Malaysia with a 2.0 litre turbo petrol four-cylinder producing 254 hp and 390 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Also available in other markets is a 194 hp/290 Nm 1.6 litre turbo petrol, which also powers the Omoda 5.

Also confirmed for the Malaysian market are the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 4 Pro

As part of the brand’s relaunch in mid-2023, Chery will establish more than 30 outlets across the country, and the aforementioned setting up of its ASEAN regional base for research and development in Malaysia will be part of its initial RM170 million investment plan.

Chery selected Malaysia over Thailand as its regional base for our market’s high acceptance of Chinese car brands, through the Proton-Geely partnership and as demonstrated by the success of the Proton X70 and X50 that resulted.

In addition to the carmaker’s preference due to the market’s inclination, Chery also chose Malaysia to be its regional headquarters for the relatively high purchasing power of its customer base, added to which are the incentives from the government that welcomes new investments from foreign companies.

Related Posts

2023 Proton X70 review in Malaysia – new 1.5L turbo three-cylinder engine better than the 1.8L turbo 4-pot?

The Proton X70 MC was launched in June last year, with the biggest change to the popular SUV being the adoption of a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder…

Perodua hybrid coming in 2024, Proton first EV in 2027

Electrification may be the hot new fashion, but not every brand is rushing into it. Take the two national automakers, Proton and Perodua. Both have said that…

Ford Mustang Mach-E EV in Malaysia – Premium AWD from the UK, 351 PS/580 Nm, 549 km range, RM450k

The Ford Mustang Mach-E has made its way to Malaysia, but the all-electric SUV hasn’t arrived through official channels. The units you see here are parallel imports,…

LEKAS, Besraya toll rates reduced from Jan 1, 2023

Reductions in toll rates for the Besraya and LEKAS expressways will take effect from 12:01am, January 1, 2023, public works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has…

2023 Honda RS-X gets colour update, from RM9,698

Getting colour updates for next year is the 2023 Honda RS-X kapchai. The new colour choices for the RS-X are Lemon Ice Yellow and Candy Caribbean Blue…

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS450+ review in Malaysia – at RM699k OTR, is this the best EV on sale right now?

Launched in Malaysia in July this year, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is priced at RM698,888 on-the-road without insurance including incentives in the form of import and excise…