Tan Chong, SAIC-GM-Wuling to start EV battery localisation

Tan Chong Motor Group and SAIC-GM-Wuling are collaborating to begin localising electric vehicle (EV) battery production in Malaysia. The partnership was formalised during the 23rd China-Asean Expo (Caexpo) in Nanning, Guangxi on September 17, 2021. Tan Chong's TQ Wuling brand will initially assemble batteries under the TQ Wuling brand, while SAIC-GM-Wuling will contribute its EV technology and manufacturing capabilities.

The agreement was signed by Liu Zhijun, director of marketing and service at Liuzhou Saike Technology, representing SAIC-GM-Wuling, and Wan Wei Sun, head of TQ Wuling, representing Tan Chong. This move is part of SAIC-GM-Wuling's Global 5 Strategy, which aims to expand the Chinese automaker's international operations, including manufacturing, supply chains, sales, talent, and financial capabilities.

The battery localisation programme will help develop Malaysia's new energy vehicle supply chain, strengthen SAIC-GM-Wuling's industrial presence in Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region, and promote cross-border industrial cooperation between China, Malaysia, and ASEAN. SAIC-GM-Wuling has produced and sold more than 32 million vehicles globally, with over 4 million of them being new energy vehicles.

The company sees ASEAN as a strategic gateway for its global expansion, with Malaysia being an important market for developing local industrial capabilities.