Malaysia Poised To Be Regional CKD Hub For DongFeng Box EV

The Malaysian Association of Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders (PEKEMA), through its subsidiary Central Auto Distributors Bhd (CADB), inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NexV Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NMSB) yesterday.

This agreement intends to position Malaysia as a regional hub for the manufacturing and assembly of Dongfeng Box (Nammi 01) electric vehicle (EV).

Under this agreement, NMSB will offer assembly facilities, while CADB will sell and distribute the Dongfeng Box. This low-cost EV, which went on sale in China earlier this year, costs between RMB 79,800 and RMB 109,800 yuan (about RM 51,400 to RM 71,000).

The Dongfeng Box will be available exclusively in a front-wheel-drive configuration with two CLTC range options: 330 KM (31.45 kWh battery) and 430 KM (42.3 kWh battery), both using lithium iron phosphate battery packs. It will be powered by a 70 kW (94 HP) electric motor, with a top speed of 140 km/h. Built on the S3 400V platform, the Box is claimed to achieve a 200 KM range with just 8 minutes of DC charging.

PEKEMA President, Datuk Hj Mohamed Nazari Noordin, stated that CADB is exploring a CKD (completely knocked down) program for the production of EVs from Dongfeng Motor (DFM).

He emphasised that this programme is part of a long-term strategy to support the government's objectives and is consistent with PEKEMA's mission to increase member engagement in the electric vehicle sector and ecosystem. This comprises the distribution and after-sales services for the Dongfeng Box model manufactured by Dongfeng Motor.

Following the signing of this MoU, both parties will continue discussions to reach a definitive agreement outlining the joint actions to be carried out as the automotive landscape shifts to eco-friendly EVs.