Tesla Sdn. Bhd. (Tesla), an American multinational electric automotive manufacturer, has on Thursday announced its strategic expansion into the Malaysian market.
Tesla and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said in a statement that Tesla is committed to introducing its cutting-edge lineup of electric vehicles to Malaysian consumers by offering its Model 3 and Model Y into the market.
As the company aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of Malaysians, more of its models will be introduced in the future.
To address the crucial aspect of charging infrastructure, Tesla will also invest significantly in setting up a vast network of fast-charging and regular-charging stations across strategic locations in Malaysia.
This initiative is aimed at providing electric vehicle (EV) owners with a seamless and convenient charging experience, encouraging widespread EV adoption in the country.
Tesla is also set to establish its state-of-the-art head office and service centre in Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia, which will serve as the central hub for all corporate operations, marketing, training, customer support activities and vehicle services equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed with highly trained Tesla technicians to offer prompt and reliable after-sales services to customers.
Tesla will also establish its experience centers in key metropolitan areas across Malaysia, where customers can explore and experience the latest electric vehicle models first hand.
These centers will serve as interactive spaces for potential buyers to gain insights into the benefits of electric mobility and receive personalized assistance from knowledgeable Tesla.
“Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy,” said Tesla’s Regional Director Isabel Fan.
As part of Tesla’s commitment to Malaysia, she said the firm has unveiled a comprehensive development plan for experience center, service and support, and charging infrastructure in the country, aimed at delivering a seamless Tesla ownership experience.
“We’re committed and excited to help driving a zero emission and greener future for Malaysia,” she added.
With its steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction, Tesla is primed to revolutionize the Malaysian automotive market and contribute significantly to the nation’s environmental goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, in alignment with Malaysia’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Additionally, under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030, Malaysia is set to achieve at least 15 percent of xEVs out of the total industry volume (TIV) by 2030 and 38 percent of xEV by 2040 under the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2022 – 2040, with 10,000 units of charging facilities built by 2025 (comprising 9,000 alternating current [AC] units and 1,000 direct currents [DC] units).
According to the statement, Tesla’s expansion in Malaysia is a direct response to the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Global Leaders initiative introduced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia.
“We are pleased that Tesla has chosen Malaysia as one of its destinations for their expansion in Southeast Asia,
“Their commitment to sustainable mobility is closely aligned with Malaysia’s vision for a greener future, and our New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s push for net zero,” MITI Minster Zafrul Aziz said.
According to him, MITI is focused on transforming its industrial and investment landscape to not only attract companies like Tesla to help enhance our domestic suppliers’ position in global value chains, but also open up new ‘greener’ economic opportunities and create higher-paying jobs for Malaysians.
“Tesla’s presence here will also help raise Malaysia’s pro-business and pro-investment credentials on the global stage, and we look forward to welcoming more multinational investors that share our vision of developing a more sustainable, balanced and inclusive economic growth for our nation,” he said.
It is also noted that the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has approved 58 projects totalling MYR 26.2 billion ($5.76 billion) in the EV and its related ecosystems from 2018 to March 2023.
The approved investments span various areas, including EV assembly, manufacturing of EV parts and components as well as its charging components.
As the demand for sustainable transportation continues to rise, MIDA’s support and facilitation of these projects contribute to the advancement of the EV sector in Malaysia, fostering economic development, job creation, and a greener future.
“Tesla’s decision to choose Malaysia as its expansion destination highlights the country’s attractiveness as an investment hub in the region,” said MIDA Chief Executive Officer Arham Abdul Rahman.
“We are pleased to support Tesla in establishing their operations and creating a strong presence in the Malaysian market,
“The growth of electric mobility will play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s sustainable development and we believe that Tesla will play a crucial part in this journey,” he added.