NexV and GNEV Ink MoU for LiuZhou Wuling E-Van CKD

NexV Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (NMSB) and Global NEV Technology Sdn. Bhd. (GNEV) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the local assembly (CKD) and manufacturing of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Malaysia.

The partnership aims to combine NexV’s advanced manufacturing capabilities with GNEV’s expertise in import and distribution, focusing initially on Knocked Down (KD) operations. This is expected to commence from the middle of next month (Feb 2025) pending the Definitive Agreement.

NMSB’s CEO, Lim Kwee Shyan, stated the collaboration will help set a new benchmark for NEV manufacturing in the region.

The first project will involve assembling GNEV’s LiuZhou Wuling electric commercial van (E-Van) to meet growing ASEAN market demand. If the Definitive Agreement proceeds as planned, the first commercial vehicle could roll out by first quarter (Q1) of 2026.

GNEV’s Executive Director, Andrew Thu Pong Fan, expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting its potential to contribute to Malaysia’s vision of becoming a regional hub for sustainable technology.

As we had highlighted before, NMSB is constructing Malaysia’s first green technology manufacturing plant in Chembong, Negeri Sembilan. The facility, which initially aimed to begin operations in Q1, 2025 with the CKD assembly of the Neta V now set to begin operations only in Q2 2025.

GNEV meanwhile, serves as the importer and distributor of LiuZhou Wuling’s NEV brands under the New Energy Valley Group. GNEV envisions a 15-year technology transfer plan between China and Malaysia, aiming to establish a Malaysian EV Tech Hub and transform the local EV market.

Meanwhile, the NexV Chembong facility, a joint venture between Careplus Group Berhad and GoAuto Group Sdn. Bhd., had claimed an expected annual output capacity of 30,000 vehicles.

The facility was initially scheduled to start CKD assembly of the Neta V in Q1 2025; however, there have been no updates on this plan to date. This comes amid the Neta brand facing financial instability, which has disrupted manufacturing facilities in China and Thailand.

Further compounding the situation is the Neta V’s recent 0-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.