Suria Component Manufacturing, Suzhou CEPP Electronics In JV To Strengthen Automotive Sector
CYBERJAYA, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Suria Component Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd (Suria) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's Suzhou CEPP Electronics to establish a joint venture aimed at strengthening Malaysia's capabilities in automotive research, development and advanced manufacturing.
Via the joint-venture company, Suria, a wholly Malaysian-owned automotive component manufacturer specialising in automotive pedal systems, will hold a majority stake to develop and manufacture next-generation automotive accelerator and brake pedal technologies.
“The partnership will also establish a foundation for the development of next-generation intelligent drive-by-wire systems, including electronic throttle control (ETC) and smart brake-by-wire systems, which are increasingly being accommodated within international vehicle safety regulations,” Suria managing director Musa Zahidin Tan Sri Ahmad Zaidee told the media after the signing ceremony here today.
The signing ceremony was also witnessed by president and chief executive officer of Perodua Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Musa Zahidin said the automotive accelerator and brake pedals are critical interfaces between the driver and the vehicle.
Elaborating further, he said despite their seemingly simple functions, these components are subject to stringent engineering, manufacturing and safety requirements, as they must deliver accurate and reliable performance throughout a vehicle's service life.
“As modern vehicles increasingly integrate electronic control systems, automotive pedals have also undergone significant technological advancements.
“Electronic accelerator pedals now communicate driver inputs directly to vehicle control systems, while emerging brake-by-wire technologies introduce new requirements for sensors, electronic redundancy and braking performance,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said localising these technologies requires capabilities that extend beyond conventional component manufacturing, whereby it involves expertise in advanced materials, precision engineering, electronic integration, functional testing and rigorous durability validation.
“Under the proposed joint venture, Suria Component Manufacturing and Suzhou CEPP Electronics will implement a phased development programme, supported by an initial investment of RM5 million.
“The first phase will focus on establishing local research, development and testing capabilities, supported by the technical expertise of Suzhou CEPP Electronics.
“The planned R&D facilities will include capabilities for component design and development, material characterisation, structural strength and fatigue testing, functional performance assessment, environmental testing and durability testing of automotive pedal assemblies,” he said.
The first phase of testing equipment is already being shipped, and expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2027.
"We are moving beyond legacy mechanical linkages into the realm of intelligent drive-by-wire systems. Our focus will centre on developing advanced ETC systems and smart brake-by-wire assemblies.
“The second phase, targeted for completion by the end of 1Q 2027, will involve the establishment of new manufacturing facilities for automotive accelerator and brake pedal assemblies, while the third phase will focus on progressively developing more advanced electronic pedal technologies, including those intended for future electromechanical braking (EMB) applications,” he said.
Also present was president of Suzhou CEPP Electronics, Wang Muhao who expressed his excitement in the opportunity to work with Suria in the development and transfer of technology and expertise, and stated his confidence in Suria's abilities to contribute to the Malaysian automotive industry.
"Malaysia has demonstrated its potential in the adoption of new automotive technologies, including those in the EV segment. While these technologies have higher adoption in China's market, we are glad to now be part of the growth of the Malaysian automotive ecosystem.
“Malaysia's automotive policies have also generated more opportunities for Chinese companies to be part of local component development and manufacturing.
“I also believe the good relationship between Malaysia and China creates a highly conducive environment for CEPP and Suria to develop more advanced products for the automotive sector in the region, and hopefully the world," he said.
Suria Component Manufacturing has been an established participant in Malaysia's automotive component supply chain since 2000, specialising in automotive pedal assemblies and precision component manufacturing.
The company is an existing supplier to Perodua, including components for the national carmaker's first battery-electric vehicle, the QV-E.
-- BERNAMA