BYD Malaysia to Begin Local CKD Assembly at Inokom

BYD Malaysia CKD assembly represents the local manufacturing initiative by electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, undertaken in partnership with local assembler Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd. Official distributor BYD Sime Motors formalised this automotive collaboration on 15 October 2026. The programme transitions completely built-up imports into completely knocked-down production in Kedah, addressing vehicle availability and long-term ecosystem development for Malaysian motorists.

Key Facts

The completely knocked-down initiative formalised by BYD Malaysia and Inokom establishes localized automotive manufacturing in Kedah, Malaysia. Signed on 15 October 2026, the industrial agreement utilizes existing Kulim infrastructure rather than constructing new greenfield facilities, supporting long-term commercial integration between Chinese electric vehicle technology and established Malaysian automotive assembly operations.

Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd in Kulim, Kedah, will serve as the official completely knocked-down assembly partner for BYD Malaysia following an agreement signed on 15 October 2026.

Where Will BYD CKD Vehicles Be Assembled in Malaysia?

BYD completely knocked-down vehicles will be assembled at the Inokom manufacturing plant situated in Kulim, Kedah. Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd, an operating subsidiary of Sime Motors, provides the designated physical assembly lines, technical workforce, and operational infrastructure required to assemble BYD electric vehicle models locally for the Malaysian domestic market.

The strategic manufacturing arrangement was executed through a formal memorandum of understanding signed at BYD's global headquarters in Shenzhen, China. BYD vice president Liu Xueliang and Sime group chief executive officer Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson officially signed the document. Also present at the ceremony were BYD Malaysia managing director Jacob Ma and Sime Motors Southeast Asia managing director Jeffrey Gan.

"Local assembly is an important part of BYD's long-term commitment to Malaysia. Partnering with Sime to assemble at Inokom allows us to build on established automotive manufacturing capabilities as we progress our local assembly plans,"

Jacob Ma, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia

BYD Malaysia selected Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd in Kulim, Kedah, as its contract assembly partner following a comprehensive evaluation of domestic manufacturing capabilities.

Why Did BYD Partner with Inokom for Local Assembly?

BYD selected Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd after evaluating domestic automotive market conditions and operational manufacturing capabilities across Peninsular Malaysia. Inokom possesses an active automotive assembly facility, an experienced technical labour force, and comprehensive supply chain infrastructure, offering BYD Malaysia an established foundation that avoids the lead times of greenfield factory construction.

According to Sime group chief executive officer Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson, the industrial scope of this agreement extends beyond basic vehicle assembly. The partnership aims to fortify Malaysia's broader automotive supply chain by integrating local vendor businesses and fostering technical competencies required for sustained industrial growth in the electric mobility sector.

"Beyond vehicle assembly, partnerships such as this create opportunities to strengthen Malaysia's automotive ecosystem, support local businesses and develop capabilities that can contribute to the industry's long-term growth."

Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group CEO of Sime

Partnering with Inokom allows BYD Malaysia to leverage Sime Motors' established vehicle assembly infrastructure rather than developing new manufacturing plants from scratch.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The localisation of BYD assembly directly benefits Malaysian electric vehicle buyers seeking improved vehicle availability, stable spare parts inventory, and potentially reduced retail pricing compared to imported models. Target consumers include urban commuters in high-density areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang who require dependable daily transportation supported by local technical servicing.

Local assembly addresses several specific considerations for Malaysian electric vehicle ownership:

• Urban living compatibility: Facilitates vehicle adoption for condominium dwellers and landed property owners utilizing standard Malaysian 240V alternating-current wallbox installations.
• Supply chain reliability: Local assembly operations reduce delivery backlogs and streamline component distribution across Peninsular and East Malaysia.
• Economic localisation: Creates technical manufacturing employment in Kulim, Kedah, and expands procurement opportunities for domestic parts suppliers.

Domestic CKD assembly at Inokom provides Malaysian electric vehicle drivers with improved parts availability and dedicated local manufacturing backing from Sime Motors.

Common Questions

Which company will assemble BYD electric cars in Malaysia?

Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd, a vehicle assembly subsidiary of Sime Motors located in Kulim, Kedah, will handle local assembly operations. The appointment was confirmed on 15 October 2026 under a memorandum of understanding signed at BYD's global headquarters in Shenzhen.

What vehicle models and retail prices are confirmed for local assembly?

Specific vehicle models and retail prices in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) have not yet been announced by BYD Malaysia or Sime Motors. The initial 15 October 2026 announcement focuses on establishing the assembly partnership rather than revealing model-specific pricing.

Where was the assembly agreement between BYD and Sime Motors signed?

The memorandum of understanding was signed at BYD's global headquarters in Shenzhen, China. Signatories included BYD vice president Liu Xueliang and Sime group chief executive officer Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson, alongside managing directors Jacob Ma and Jeffrey Gan.

Sources and Methodology

This report is derived directly from automotive reporting published by CarSifu on 15 October 2026 detailing the official partnership between BYD Malaysia and Inokom Corp Sdn Bhd. The corporate facts and executive statements originate from the formal memorandum of understanding executed at BYD global headquarters in Shenzhen, China.

Because the initial corporate release omitted individual vehicle models, commercial release dates, and Ringgit Malaysia (RM) retail prices, these data points are designated as unannounced rather than estimated. Contextual references to Malaysian 240V electrical standards reflect standard domestic regulatory parameters.

This article was last updated on 15 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against reporting by CarSifu and public statements issued by Sime Motors and BYD Malaysia.