Hyundai Establishes Direct Malaysia Operations, Plans Local Assembly Expansion

Hyundai Motor Company has officially established Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), marking its direct entry into the Malaysian automotive market and shifting from a distributor-led model under Sime Darby Motors to a principal-led operational approach. This new setup places Hyundai in full control of brand, marketing, sales, and customer experience with a dedicated local team headquartered at Menara Affin @TRX in Kuala Lumpur, aiming to grow its workforce to 100 employees by the end of 2025. HMY plans to introduce three new models focused on the SUV and MPV segments while commencing local assembly operations in Kedah by Q3 2025, with a facility targeting production of up to seven models over five years, including internal combustion engine and hybrid electric vehicles. Approximately 30% of the vehicles assembled locally are expected to be exported to neighboring ASEAN markets, reinforcing Malaysia's strategic importance in Hyundai's global manufacturing network. The company also plans to modernize showrooms, enhance digital integration, and expand its dealer and after-sales network to 25 outlets by 2030, signaling a long-term commitment to Malaysia’s economic growth and automotive industry. Hyundai’s investment aligns with its global strategy for sustainable development and regional expansion, including plans for an EV battery assembly factory and increased local production capacity through a partnership with Inokom.