Is Tesla cancelling plans for Southeast Asia factory? Malaysian Minister of Trade responds
AshleyAug 12, 2024, 11:25 AM
Recently, according to Thailand's "Nation" media reports, Tesla has canceled plans to build new factories in Thailand, Malaysia, or Indonesia, and withdrew the team responsible for the project.
On August 8, Malaysia's Minister of Trade Tengku Zafrul Aziz responded on social media to this matter, saying, "This report is not from Tesla official and it quotes anonymous sources, so its accuracy is to be verified. Secondly, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MITI) has never officially announced that Tesla will build a factory in Malaysia. Although we have had exchanges with Musk to explore the possibility of investment cooperation, Tesla has not made a clear commitment."
To promote the development of the electric vehicle industry, the Malaysian government launched the Global BEV initiative, which is open to all electric vehicle manufacturers, with Tesla being one of them. Companies participating in this initiative need to meet the following conditions:
1. Install at least 50 super-fast charging piles of 180 kilowatts or more
2. Ensure that at least 30% of the super-fast charging piles are open to other brand electric vehicles
3. Collaborate with at least 10 local companies to jointly develop charging infrastructure
Data shows that Malaysia has achieved significant success in attracting foreign investment. From 2022 to the first quarter of 2024, Malaysia attracted a total of 24.55 billion ringgit in investment related to the electric vehicle manufacturing industry. Furthermore, in the first quarter of 2024, Malaysia attracted a total of 837 billion ringgit in investment, a 13 percent increase from the same period last year. Whether Tesla will build factories in Malaysia is still undecided. But the Malaysian government is committed to developing the electric vehicle industry and providing support to all eligible companies.
If any infringement occurs, please contact us for deletion
Trending News
Perodua Myvi and Bezza may undergo major upgrades in 2026
After the update, the Bezza will no longer be just a low-cost alternative but a core model in the Perodua system with greater market competitiveness and brand premium potential. The upgrade of the Myvi is not to be unconventional but to strengthen the brand and market, ensuring that the Myvi continues to maintain its irreplaceable position in the new round of product competition.
2026 Honda Jazz minor facelift exposed in the Chinese market, featuring a new front-end design
The fourth generation Honda Jazz (known as Fit in some markets) has maintained stable global sales since its launch in 2019, but its performance in the Chinese market has been less optimistic. Now, the Chinese market is about to welcome its second facelift. The new model has undergone significant upgrades in exterior and interior design, while retaining the current 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission system.
Proton e.MAS 7 OTA upgrades to Flyme Auto 1.2.0, completing the Android Auto interconnection ecosystem
Proton has officially released the Flyme Auto 1.2.0 version OTA update for e.MAS 7 users. The core of this upgrade is the addition of support for Android Auto, offering both wired and wireless connection options. Combined with the previously integrated Apple CarPlay feature, it achieves full coverage of the two major smartphone ecosystems, Android and Apple. This marks a step towards perfecting the smart cockpit experience of the e.MAS 7 all-electric SUV and is also a key milestone in Proton's phased software iteration plan.
2026 New Proton S70 Upgrades from Three-cylinder to Four-cylinder, Significantly More Powerful!
Proton's 2026 S70 to be launched before Lunar New Year, with a key upgrade to a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine replacing the three-cylinder model, improving power smoothness, maintaining spaciousness, with the infotainment system and driver assistance possibly adapted to local road conditions, offering practical improvements tailored to the needs of Malaysian and Thai family users, aiding car purchase decisions.
Perodua Ativa Hybrid may be launched, a fuel-efficient small car that doesn't require charging
According to reports, the Perodua Ativa may be preparing to launch a hybrid version. The new car is expected to use an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) system for two main reasons: first, better fuel efficiency; second, to make users barely notice any difference compared to conventional fuel vehicles. It is clear that the automaker intends to use a very practical approach to gradually lead consumers into the era of electric vehicles.
Popular Cars
Model Year
Car Compare
Car Photo