Tesla POSSIBLY Set For Official Entry In Malaysia

By now, we’re sure you’ve already heard word online that world renowned electric vehicle (EV) marque Tesla appears ready to enter the Malaysian market officially. But before we throw caution into the wind, let us be clear that this remains merely a possibility at present. Here’s what we’ve garnered so far to support that notion…

Apart from official SSM documents obtained by CariCarz.com earlier today to corroborate said initial online reports, we’ve also gotten confirmation through a local parallel import (recond) car dealer representative who wishes to remain anonymous.

We’ll start with the latter source who indicated to CariCarz.com that the Tesla brand will be fully set up towards the end of this year, and that it has the support of the government to do so. It is understood that one of the roadblocks for the brand in setting up locally prior revolved around the government’s Franchise AP (Approved Permit) policies.

Backing these claims up are the SSM documents mentioned. A close study revealed that the previous Tesla Services Sdn Bhd accounting and financial services subsidiary has switched to a new ‘Tesla Sdn Bhd’ moniker.

SSM Report obtained by CariCarz.com earlier today.

Along with the name change was the switch from ‘financial and accounting services‘ in the nature of business section to ‘wholesale and retail of new motor vehicles, other service activities incidental to land transportation N.E.C, and maintenance and repair of motor vehicles’.

Adding further to this is the listed initial capital of just under RM3.6 million, plus the naming of Malaysian nationals as director and secretary each, alongside two foreign nationals serving equivalent positions. Evidently, this is no ‘fly-by-night’ company to say the least, or some local ‘privateer’ trying their luck.

The brand’s long-awaited possible official entry into Malaysia was likely decided on several factors. Our best guesses include the recent spur in development of the local EV charging infrastructure, the rising numbers of recond EV models – both Teslas and other brands – registered and sold in the country, not forgetting Tesla’s own express of interest to set up its DC supercharger network in Malaysia back in May 2022.

What would be the fate of existing 'recond' Tesla owners in Malaysia should the brand officially set up shop, then?

Will we at least see some form of localisation or perhaps a Tesla DC supercharger network to follow suit?

Nevertheless, this is a good sign indeed as it signals the potential maturity of the Malaysian market for EVs in general. Furthermore, this is also good news for avid Tesla fans who have longed for official after-sales support, especially amongst prospects with the means who are keen on adopting any of the brand’s current models.

At this point, there is still no official word from either Tesla or the government about the matter, but it all seems almost certain – the possibility of this actually happening is evidently strong. What isn’t clear though is when and how exactly will the Tesla brand enter the Malaysian market.

Also unclear is how Tesla’s impending official entry into the local market will affect local recond dealers and their booming EV sales efforts, or whether it wishes to seek a local partner for both sales and after-sales. More importantly, we’re also unsure on how it intends to address existing recond Tesla owners, of which is sizable now to say the least.

Nevertheless, CariCarz.com will keep a close eye on the matter and report further developments when they surface.

What are your thoughts of Tesla’s possible official market entry in Malaysia? As always, hit the comments below with your thoughts and views on the matter.