Chery confirms 30k units/year CKD plant, launching in July 2023, Malaysia to be 3rd largest RHD market

At the Indonesian launch of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and 8 Pro yesterday (23-Nov 2022), Chery also announced its plans to enter other right-hand drive (RHD) markets including Malaysia, Australia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand from 2023.

While Indonesia would be Chery’s main hub for right-hand-drive markets, local assembly (CKD) in Malaysia is also mentioned at the two SUVs’ grand launching. Executive Vice President of Chery Motor Indonesia, Zhang Wei announced that the Anhui-based carmaker is planning to launch a subsidiary in Malaysia in December 2022.

He also mentioned in the livestream and to the Indonesian media present that the CKD production facility in Malaysia would have an annual production capacity of 30,000 units and hinted that it could be launching in the country by July 2023.

“We will meet our customers in July (2023),” Zhang said at the launch. Meanwhile, the location of the plant has not been revealed yet.

Also read: Chery to establish CKD operations in Malaysia, Tiggo Pro SUVs to be priced competitively against Protons

Indonesian market Chery models are currently assembled by contract manufacturer PT Handal Indonesia Motor’s plant in Bekasi. The plant had previously made Hyundai models, which are now produced at Hyundai’s own plant, also located in Bekasi.

Aside from announcing its plans for its Indonesian return after a decade of hiatus, Chery also revealed its sales targets for the core RHD markets with Malaysia targeted to be the third largest behind Indonesia and Australia.

Zhang has also revealed that the Chery Omoda 5 would be the first Chery model to be launched in Australia in 2023 though that is the only debut model mentioned for the respective markets.

Also read: First look at the Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia, the HR-V and X50’s more stylish and powerful rival

Back in Malaysia, Chery has been making its online presence known by setting up Chery Malaysia social media accounts as well as giving the media a preview of its upcoming models. These include the Tiggo 4 Pro, 7 Pro, 8 Pro Max, Omoda 5, as well as the 8 Pro PHEV which made its first ASEAN appearance here.

Also read: Chery is the first Chinese brand that understands Malaysians’ needs – Android Auto, RHD-friendly controls, could debut RHD Omoda 5

Source: Chery confirms 30k units/year CKD plant, launching in July 2023, Malaysia to be 3rd largest RHD market