Exports from Chery's new Shah Alam plant are set to begin at the end of 2024, as part of plans to make Malaysia the carmaker's export hub in ASEAN.

This announcement was made by Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, on his social media account.

"In June, I launched Chery's assembly plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. The factory is part of the company's MYR 1 billion (US$ 223.6 million) investment in Malaysia. On 7 August, I met with Chery again to discuss their plans to make Malaysia the export hub for ASEAN and other regions," Zafrul said.

"God willing, they will start exporting at the end of this year. I hope Chery's success will encourage more manufacturers to make Malaysia their production hub in the ASEAN region," he further added.

Last month, Chery Malaysia issued a press release outlining its integration plans and investment milestones, focusing on the new Shah Alam plant, which was officially opened in June.

The plant has begun operations with the assembly of the newly launched Jaecoo J7 SUV for local consumption, while Chery's current models - Omoda 5, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Tiggo 7 Pro - continue to be produced at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.

Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans for Shah Alam and Malaysia, which will serve as a right-hand-drive hub with research and development facilities. Zhang Guibing, President of Chery International, confirmed this during the factory inauguration.

Chery's Malaysia hub will develop right-hand-drive versions of its cars not only for local and ASEAN markets but also for countries like the UK and Australia. Zhang highlighted Malaysia's tropical climate as ideal for hot weather testing.

"While China operates with left-hand drive vehicles, Malaysia presents a unique opportunity to serve right-hand drive markets. We are keen to expand our business here, and Malaysia could become our right-hand drive hub," Zhang said. He also mentioned plans to explore exports to neighbouring right-hand drive countries, leveraging Malaysia's strategic location and robust automotive ecosystem.

Zhang further added that Chery's long-term vision includes ensuring local partners are engaged, creating significant job opportunities for Malaysians, and introducing new technologies to the local market.

Last year, Chery committed to investing MYR 1 billion to support Malaysia's New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, underscoring its confidence in Malaysia's potential and the country's policies aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the automotive sector.