Chery Auto Malaysia Rolls Out First CKD Omoda E5, Strengthening Local Manufacturing & EV Commitment
Chery Auto Malaysia has reached a significant milestone in its local operations with the successful roll-off of its first Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit of the Omoda E5 EV from its production line at the Inokom assembly facility in Kulim, Kedah. This achievement marks an important step in Chery’s commitment to strengthening manufacturing capabilities in Malaysia and contributing to the country’s industrial growth, especially in the transition to a sustainable, electrified mobility. 
The Omoda E5, which stands out for its modern design and advanced technology, reflects Chery’s dedication to delivering high-quality vehicles that meet the preferences of Malaysian consumers. Chery’s President, Leo Chen, emphasised that the CKD roll-off represents the company’s focus on innovation and quality, as well as its long-term commitment to Malaysia. “By assembling our cars locally, it not only allows us to provide more competitive pricing but also signifies Chery’s long-term commitment in Malaysia, fostering job creation and skill development within the local workforce,” he said. This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s localisation policy, which encourages local production. Chery is looking to position Malaysia as a regional hub for its electric vehicles.
With the local assembly of Omoda E5, this makes the entire Chery range of vehicles currently available in Malaysia local products. This includes the Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Omoda 5. This is thanks to the strong partnership between Chery and Sime Darby Berhad, which has been instrumental in this project. Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Berhad, highlighted the importance of assembly in driving growth within the automotive sector. “Our expertise spans the entire automotive value chain, and assembly is a crucial area of growth and a key enabler for our Motors division. We look forward to achieving many more milestones together as we expand our facility and reaffirm our commitment to advancing sustainable mobility solutions,” he added.
At the line-off ceremony, YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, congratulated Chery for ensuring that 99% of its assembly workforce in Malaysia are locals, emphasising the importance of creating high-quality jobs for Malaysians. “The industrialisation of Malaysia must mean better jobs and better pay for Malaysians, not more jobs for unskilled foreign workers. Whenever possible, we should automate more and use more technology, instead of hiring unskilled foreign workers,” he said. Liew also pointed out that, as of September 2024, 98% of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) on Malaysian roads were imported as Completely Built-Up (CBU) units, underscoring the significance of local assembly in reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
“With this line-off ceremony, Chery joins the ranks of brands assembling EVs in Malaysia, marking a significant advancement in localizing electric vehicle production. Localising as much as possible in terms of manufacturing of vehicles has a balance of payment dimension. In 2023, the automotive sector recorded a total import value of RM62.14 billion, while total export value was RM18.01 billion,” said YB Liew.
Launched earlier this year, the Omoda E5 marks Chery’s first move into Malaysia’s electric vehicle market. The Omoda E5 boasts an electric drivetrain that delivers 150 kW (201 hp) and 340 Nm of torque, and a driving range of up to 430 km (WLTP). Additionally, its 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is capable of fast 80 kW DC charging, going from 30% to 80% in just 28 minutes. The OMODA E5 is also equipped with ADAS 2.5, an advanced system that integrates AI, sensors, and connectivity to enhance the driving experience. 
Chery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its global strategy, which emphasises the development of electric vehicles and the exploration of cleaner, more efficient green energy technologies. This strategy is also in line with Malaysia’s own goals of promoting green technology and sustainable development. With increasing sales of new energy vehicles, Chery’s green revenue has surpassed RMB10.9 billion (RM6.7 billion). As part of its continued push towards electrification, Chery plans to expand its lineup of electrified vehicles in Malaysia in the coming year, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Chery Auto Malaysia’s local production and future plans for expanding its electric vehicle offerings demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable automotive future.
