CADB Hosts Preview Of Dongfeng Box EV; Set For Launch In Malaysia In October 2024
In a move to ride on the growth trend of Malaysia’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market, Central Auto Distributors Bhd (CADB), the exclusive importer and distributor of Dongfeng passenger cars in Malaysia, has announced that it will be introducing the Dongfeng Box to the local market. With an official launch scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2024, likely in October, CADB recently hosted a preview session for the Dongfeng Box.
The Box EV is the first model developed on the Dongfeng Quantum Architecture S3 platform. Measuring 4,020 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 2,663 mm, this compact EV hatchback promises to offer a unique blend of style, space, and performance targetted at urban young professionals and small family units looking for a multi-scenario transportation vehicle for daily travel, e.g. school runs, city commutes, etc. In relative terms, the BYD Dolphin measures 4,920 mm long, 1,770 mm wide and 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase.
The preview units shown here are all pre-production models that are being tested in Malaysia and as such could vary slightly in details from the official model put on sale later. The Purple car here is the higher range E3 variant while the Green car is the E2 variant (with aero wheels). Upon launch, we will be the first right hand-drive market for the Box.
The Dongfeng Box’s exterior design carries a chic and fashionable theme, featuring a smooth, rounded outline, through-type LED headlights, with an option for a contrasting roof colour. One of the standout features of the Dongfeng Box is its frameless doors with hidden sensor door handles, which is rare in this class and enhances the vehicle’s appearance and appeal.
Inside, the car uses high-grade leather with a diamond pattern design, offering both visual beauty and a soft, luxurious feel. The inclusion of 32-color ambient lighting, frameless rearview mirrors and wireless charging pad further adds to the premium feel. And instead of a conventional glove box, the Box comes with a sliding drawer instead. Though the body is compact, the relatively long wheelbase helps designers provide an interior layout with space utilisation rate of about 66%, giving it more practical functionality. The rear seat design, however, is simplified with non-removable headrests and no centre armrest.
The Dongfeng Box preview unit is also not short of convenience features, including a one-button lie-flat mode for the driver seat, a 12.8” floating central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Level 2 ADAS functions, as well as an automatic parking feature.
Helping the Box with motion is the Mach E 10-in-1 electric drive assembly which offers high efficiency, integration, and low energy consumption. This EV set-up delivers a maximum power of 70 kW (94 hp) and peak torque of 160 Nm; Top speed is capped at 140 km/h. Details on the battery were limited to its ability to support both fast and slow charging, with the ability to recharge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes via DC charging, and an external discharge function (Vehicle-to-Load; V2L) which allows users to power up electrical appliances. But Dongfeng’s global website lists the Box with a 430 km driving range (CLTC) from its 42.3 kWh battery (Box E3 variant; E2 variant offers up to 330 km). Interestingly, when this model was launched in China in August 2023, it was shared that this platform is ready to support solid state batteries, though this has not yet been applied to the Box.
CADB plans to offer 4 exterior colours i.e. White, Green, Blue and Purple with the latter 3 getting White roof options. Meanwhile, interior colour schemes are White and Black, and Grey and Black. The Purple car will have a Purple and Black interior theme.
CADB, a PEKEMA (Association of Malay Importers and Traders of Motor Vehicles Malaysia) company, will be leveraging PEKEMA’s extensive experience and resources to position itself as a key player in the country’s EV market. PEKEMA has an extensive network with 370 members nationwide, equipped with 467 licensed showrooms and warehouses owned by 317 AP holders. PEKEMA is estimated to have a 5% market share in the passenger vehicle sales industry and is supporting the growth of electric mobility through the importation of EVs, as well as operation of 19 fast-charging stations across the country. Currently, it is reported that many PEKEMA members have shown interest in opening Dongfeng dealerships though every application still needs to undergo the vetting process. A spokesperson shared that the plan is to have around 15 dealerships by the end of the year.
“PEKEMA is committed in supporting government’s vision in accelerating a comprehensive and conducive EV ecosystem in the country. This project with Dongfeng as a prominent state-owned automotive corporation is a significant milestone in charting future path of PEKEMA and stay relevant for the next generation of our members nationwide. As the first country to debut right-hand drive passenger car for Dongfeng brand, it’s the testament that PEKEMA is an important overseas partner and Malaysia is recognized as a key international market for global automakers,” said Datuk Hj Mohamed Nazari Bin Noordin, President of PEKEMA.
“As an exclusive distributor and importers for the brand, we are thrilled to embark into this exciting journey together with our network of valued dealers. At the moment, the team is working hard in finalizing the retail package which will benefit our customers right from the sales offerings and more importantly the aftersales support,” commented Operation Director of CADB, Dato’ SM Zulkifli Bin SM Amin. 
Established in 1969, Dongfeng Motor Corporation is currently one of the ‘Big 4′ state-owned car manufacturers of China, with vehicle sales of 671,000 units recorded in 2023. Its current and past joint ventures included those with Honda, Nissan, PSA Group, and Kia. Though it sells its vehicles under numerous brands in, the company will use the ‘Dongfeng’ brand in markets abroad.
