MG Motor Malaysia Set To Start CKD With EPMB In Q1 2026

MG Motor Malaysia (SAIC Motor Malaysia) jointly inked an agreement with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB), and it sees the latter locally assembling (CKD) the former's products starting next year.

MG Motor Malaysia (SAIC Motor Malaysia) officially announced plans to locally assemble (CKD) its products starting from the first quarter (Q1) of next year (2026).

Said plans were detailed in a signing ceremony held earlier today in Cyberjaya. Through which, the firm also revealed it has engaged Melaka-based EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) as its contract assembly partner.

Present today were both MG Motor Malaysia MD EMory Qi (left) and EPMP Executive Chair Hamidon Abdullah (right).

Present today were both Emory Qi, MD of MG Motor Malaysia and Hamidon Abdullah, Executive Chairman of EPMB. Both had also signed an agreement formalising the joint effort.

“Our assembly line will fully meet customer demand, ensuring a smoother and faster ownership experience, Most importantly, quality is non-negotiable,” said Emory Qi in his keynote address. “We are pleased to partner with SAIC Motor – our second state-owned OEM partner – to assemble the MG models in Malaysia,” added EPMB’s Hamidon.

In his adress, Qi confimed plans for EPMB to locally assembly both EV and ICE models from the MG brand starting from Q1 2026.

Initially, Qi had confirmed plans for MG to localise both fully electric (EV) and combustion (ICE) models with EPMB, though he did not named any specific nameplates. Carz.com.my however did enquire directly with Hamidon who later confirmed that the first MG model EPMB will assemble locally (CKD) is the MG S5 EV SUV.

“This will be the first electric vehicle locally assembled at our Melaka plant. Through collaboration with local suppliers, we will accelerate localisation, including battery pack assembly for MG vehicles,” continued Hamidon further.

The first MG model set to be assembled by EPMB at its Melaka plant will be the MG S5 EV crossover pictured. It currently retails from RM115,900 onwards.

Besides the MG S5 EV, a second unnamed compact crossover model with a “HEV” (hybrid) powertrain will be localised alongside – likely the MG ZS HEV. Insiders at MG Motor Malaysia confirmed this with Carz.com.my at the ceremony mentioned. 

Additionally, EPMB’s Hamidon also noted that a pilot assembly phase will start as early Dec this year.

Presently, MG Motor Malaysia’s line-up consists of four EV models plus two ICE models, all being fully imported (CBU) still. Besides the S5 EV mentioned, the former includes the MG4 EV hatch, MG ZS EV crossover, as well as the MG Cyberster halo roadster. The latter, on the other hand, consists of the MG5 fastback and the MG HS SUV.

Local production aside, MG Motor Malaysia also revealed updates to its now expanded local network. The brand now boasts 26 outlets nationwide, and it includes up to 18 service centres as well.