Govt To Review CBU Units Of EV Imports, Focus On Quality -- Johari

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 (Bernama) — The government will review the importation of completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs) to ensure only quality models enter the local market to protect the country’s automotive ecosystem.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the entry of imported EVs must add value to the automotive industry because local industry players are capable of meeting the low-cost EV segment.

“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 that we need to protect our ecosystem,” he said after launching the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV here today.

Johari said the emphasis on quality is important to prevent an oversupply of vehicles that could affect the growing local EV segment.

On the auto sector’s direction, Johari said the government would like to see more manufacturers undertake local assembly (CKD units) and increase the local production of automotive components.

He said the auto industry’s ability to compete globally requires production of scale and exports to support long-term ecosystem development.

“We produce about 800,000 vehicles currently. It will be difficult to build that ecosystem if we do not exceed one million units or more,” he said.

Addressing industry concerns on the development of hybrid vehicles, Johari said the government is open to views and proposals from industry players.

“We are ready to listen. We are prepared to hear and evaluate anyone who brings in this technology, including hybrids, so that we can all build this ecosystem together,” he said.

— BERNAMA