BYD executives visit Inokom plant, local assembly plans brewing in Kedah?

A recent visit by senior BYD leadership to Sime Motors' linked Inokom assembly facility in Kedah has sparked industry speculation over whether the Chinese automotive brand could be exploring a slightly different localisation approach in Malaysia.

The visit took place alongside the official launch of BYD Macalister Mansion in Penang, attended by BYD Co Ltd Vice President and Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager Liu Xueliang, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, and Sime Motors Managing Director for Southeast Asia Jeffrey Gan.

According to Sime Motors’ social media post, Liu and delegates also toured the Inokom Corporation assembly facility following the Penang event. No formal announcement was made regarding any manufacturing deal.

Inokom Corporation, majority owned by Sime Motors, operates one of Malaysia’s key multi-brand assembly hubs in Kulim, Kedah. The facility assembles vehicles for BMW, MINI, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai and Chery under respective production arrangements, and also has growing exposure to electrified vehicle assembly.

BMW Malaysia’s locally assembled models, including the i5, are produced at the facility, alongside the Chery O5, further reinforcing its BEV assembly experience.

BYD has already confirmed CKD plans in Malaysia, previously linked to a proposed facility in Tanjong Malim with production targeted around 2026, although the project timeline and structure remain subject to ongoing adjustments.

While the visit may simply reflect post-launch stakeholder engagement, its timing has drawn attention given BYD’s existing localisation intentions in the country. Malaysia’s push for greater BEV localisation and BYD’s rapid regional expansion continue to keep industry observers alert to possible future developments.

At present, there is no official confirmation of any contract assembly arrangement with Inokom. Whether it becomes part of BYD’s eventual localisation strategy remains to be seen, but the visit has nonetheless added momentum to industry speculation.