Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker XPeng is exploring Malaysia as a potential hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and technology development in the region. According to The Edge, the company aims to leverage the country’s semiconductor expertise and talent pool to support its EV innovation and localisation efforts across Southeast Asia.
Vice-chairman Dr Brian Gu said XPeng is in active discussions with the Malaysian government and industry partners to explore opportunities for AI-driven technologies, including autonomous driving systems and smart cabin integration. He added that the company sees strong potential in the country’s advanced semiconductor sector, skilled workforce, and established ecosystem for integrated circuit design and technology development.
During the XPeng G6 facelift launch earlier this month, the automaker also revealed plans to localise its vehicle production as part of this expansion strategy, aligning with Malaysia’s push to position itself as a regional EV hub. The company’s local partner, Bermaz Auto Bhd, has completed feasibility studies for assembling XPeng vehicles locally and targets to begin completely knocked down (CKD) assembly by the second half of 2026.
The automaker’s focus on Southeast Asia also comes as Chinese EV manufacturers face steep tariffs of up to 45.3% in the European Union, a measure aimed at protecting local manufacturers. While Europe remains part of XPeng’s global strategy, Gu noted that the company views Southeast Asia as a more favourable market for growth and technology deployment.
(Source: The Edge Malaysia)
