adminKUALA LUMPUR – The government will review the importation of completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs) to ensure that only quality models enter the local market, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
Johari said the entry of imported EVs must contribute value to the local automotive industry, as domestic players are capable of meeting the demand for low-cost EVs.
“Therefore, we want to ensure that EVs brought into the country are quality EVs. It is not about whether the price is low or not, but we need to protect our ecosystem,” he said after launching the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV here today.
The minister highlighted that an emphasis on quality is important to prevent an oversupply of vehicles, which could impact the growth of the local EV segment.
On the direction of the auto sector, Johari said the government hopes to see more manufacturers undertake local assembly (completely knocked-down units) and increase the production of automotive components locally.
He added that the ability of the automotive industry to compete globally depends on production scale and exports to support long-term ecosystem development.
“We currently produce about 800,000 vehicles. It will be difficult to build that ecosystem if we do not exceed one million units or more,” he said.
Addressing industry concerns regarding hybrid vehicles, Johari said the government remains open to proposals and views from industry players.
“We are ready to listen. We are prepared to evaluate anyone who brings in this technology, including hybrids, so that we can all build this ecosystem together,” he added.
— Bernama
