BYD Malaysia has named Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd as its local contract assembly partner, confirming a move towards completely knocked-down (CKD) production at the Sime Motors subsidiary’s plant in Kulim, Kedah.
The Chinese carmaker announced the appointment today, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding at its global headquarters in Shenzhen, China.
The choice of Inokom had been widely anticipated among automotive media observers, given BYD’s existing relationship with Sime through BYD Sime Motors, its Malaysian distributor.
Extending that relationship into vehicle assembly was a natural progression, particularly after BYD shelved plans to establish its own plant in Tanjong Malim, Perak.
In May, BYD vice-president Liu Xueliang had visited Inokom’s Kulim facility, fuelling speculation about a possible manufacturing partnership.
BYD Malaysia managing director Jacob Ma said the appointment would allow the company to draw on established manufacturing capabilities while strengthening its local presence and supporting Malaysia’s automotive industry.
Inokom has become an increasingly important contract assembler for international carmakers.
Its 200-acre Kulim facility produces vehicles for BMW, MINI, Porsche, Mazda, Hyundai and Chery, including electric models such as the Chery Omoda E5. BYD’s arrival further expands its portfolio of automotive brands.
The agreement was signed by Liu and Sime group chief executive officer Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson, with Ma and Sime Motors Southeast Asia managing director Jeffrey Gan witnessing the ceremony.
BYD has not disclosed which models will be assembled locally, when production will begin or the planned manufacturing volume.
