oss more than 70 countries, the FRONX will now be locally produced at SIM’s Cikarang Plant, marking Indonesia as the second production base. With this launch, SIM aims to expand its presence in Indonesia’s growing two-row SUV market, targeting annual sales of 24,000 units and plans to export to ASEAN countries.  Its key specs include a 1.5L gasoline engine (with a mild hybrid option), multiple transmission choices (5MT/6AT/4AT), and compact ...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/28

ed at its Cikarang factory in Indonesia, and (iii) the launch of the locally assembled MAGIC Battery. Wuling, which became the first Chinese automaker to reach this EV production milestone, has sold 1.5 million EVs globally. The Cikarang plant plays a key role as a production hub for Indonesian and ASEAN markets, reinforcing Indonesia’s position in the global EV supply chain. The local assembly of the MAGIC Battery enhances manufacturing effici...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/26

eliable operation. The center is optimized for energy efficiency with Thailand’s best-in-class Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and houses a Data Center Innovation Lab for testing and developing new solutions across various industries. This milestone positions Thailand as a leading digital hub in ASEAN, bolstering Thailand’s digital ecosystem and attracting greater investment in technology-driven industries. (From True IDC press release dated...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/26

itability despite a decline in revenue, has revised its sales and operating profit in its med-term business plan for the fiscal year ending March 2027 downward because of structural changes in the Chinese market and reduced production in North America and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). (From an article in the Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun on May 23, 2025)...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/23

he plant projected to have an annual capacity of 20,000 units. Over the next 3 years, Geely aims to introduce 5 to 7 models in Indonesia, including BEVs, PHEVs, and internal combustion engine (ICE) models. The Indonesian facility will produce vehicles to serve both domestic demand and that of other ASEAN markets. At present, Geely has 15 dealerships in Indonesia, with plans to grow its retail presence to 100 outlets over the next 3 years. (From G...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/21

Changan inaugurates NEV hub in Thailand On May 16, 2025, Changan Automobile officially inaugurated its first comprehensive overseas new energy vehicle (NEV) production base in Rayong, Thailand. The facility will serve as a manufacturing hub for ASEAN and global right-hand drive markets, while supporting over 30,000 jobs across the value chain. The significant investment of THB 10 billion underscores Changan’s long-term commitment to Thailand a...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/19

MAS 2025: iCAUR brand makes ASEAN debut in Malaysia, iCAUR 03 set to launch in Q3 Announced on May 9, 2025, iCAUR, a new off-road NEV brand from Chery and SmartMi Tech, made its official ASEAN debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025. Following its global launch at Auto Shanghai 2025. Leading the lineup is the iCAUR 03, offered in 2 variants. The 2WD version delivers 135 kW and 220 Nm with a 65.7 kWh LFP battery offering up to 426 km (NEDC), while the...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/15

ration (THACO), in collaboration with Daimler Bus, held a launch event on May 8 in Chu Lai (Quang Nam), Vietnam, to introduce the high-end Mercedes-Benz RS 1936 bus and announce its export to the Thai market. This event strengthens THACO’s role as the key production hub for Mercedes-Benz buses in ASEAN. It drew representatives from Daimler Southeast Asia, regional distributors, and nearly 30 Thai transport businesses. Guests test-drove the bus,...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/15

JTEKT has already carried out reforms such as the sale of its needle roller bearing business in Europe and profitability improvement in North America. It will also bolster the business in China and restructure its global production system. In anticipation of the entry of Chinese automakers into the ASEAN market, JTEKT will also take preemptive measures to improve the structure of its operations in the ASEAN region. Although it has not factored th...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/15

MAS 2025: TQ Wuling previews Bingo EV in Malaysia, showcases Light of ASEAN concept car Announced on May 12, Wuling has captured widespread attention at the Malaysia Auto Show (MAS 2025) with the first public preview of the Wuling Bingo in Malaysia and the showcase of Wuling’s concept car, the "Light of ASEAN." As the brand’s first EV introduced to the Malaysian market, the Bingo represents a significant step forward in accelerating Wuling’...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/14

arent dropped 24.5% to JPY 835.8 billion, and operating profit margin was 5.6%. Motorcycle business saw strong sales volumes globally, achieving record highs in sales volume, operating profit, and operating profit margin. Automobile business experienced a decline in sales volume mainly in China and ASEAN regions, and was impacted by increased incentives for electric vehicle (EV) sales in North America. However, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/13

SUBCON Thailand 2025 to spotlight regional industrial parts sourcing power and xEV growth Announced on May 6, 2025, Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and its partners will host SUBCON Thailand 2025, ASEAN’s premier industrial parts exhibition, from May 14–17 in Bangkok.  Now in its 19th year, the event, themed “The Global Sourcing Excellence,” will showcase Thailand’s supply chain strengths in key sectors such as automotive, electrifi...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/09

Proton e.MAS 7 EV presented in Singapore, marking its first ASEAN export market Announced on May 3, 2025, Proton returned to the Singaporean market after more than a decade, unveiling its first EV model, the e.MAS 7, at The Car Expo 2025. The launch marks a new partnership with the authorized distributor VINCAR Group, which will oversee Proton’s EV retail operations under the e.MAS brand, offering high-quality EVs for urban drivers. Proton is c...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/06

ntroduced Tamaraw light commercial vehicle, alongside interest in the Innova and Vios models. For the first quarter of 2025, the Laguna plant’s output rose 7.9% YoY, totaling 15,824 units. The increase reflects the positive market reception of the Tamaraw. Regionally, Toyota’s production across ASEAN markets also delivered notable results. In March, Indonesia reported 21,423 units, while Thailand led the group with 48,445 units. Malaysia foll...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/02

will own 19%, and Emerging Display Technologies 81%. The JV, EDT-India Private Limited, will be constructed at the site of Nippon Seiki’s subsidiary. The JV will mainly produce instruments for motorcycles aiming to expand sales in the Indian market first. It is also expected to export products to ASEAN and other countries in the future. Nippon Seiki aims to expand motorcycle instrument sales in the large Indian market. Nippon Seiki and Emerging...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/02

Volkswagen prepares Malaysia as its ASEAN electrified vehicle export hub Reported on April 25, 2025, Volkswagen Group Malaysia has signaled a bold push toward electrification in Southeast Asia, confirming plans to assemble electrified vehicles locally with the goal of exporting to key ASEAN markets. At a recent event marking the start of local assembly for the Audi Q7 MHEV at DRB-Hicom’s Pekan plant, the company announced it is developing a com...

News  Updated at: 2025/05/02

ffirmed that the government has no intention of banning the import of used cars to force citizens into buying new vehicles.  Instead, The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of encouraging car manufacturing and assembly in Cambodia to offer affordable, high-quality new car options. While some ASEAN countries have prohibited the import of second-hand cars, Cambodia will continue to prioritize thorough inspections of imported vehicles to ensu...

News  Updated at: 2025/04/24

GWM Thailand ramping up production/export to serve ASEAN, Latin America, Australia Announced on April 19, 2025, GWM Thailand is ramping up exports from the Rayong-based Smart Factory in Q2/2025 to further support its reach to ASEAN, Latin America, and Australia. It will export Tank 500 HEV to Malaysia, while continuing to supply the Tank 300 HEV to Indonesia and the Haval H6 HEV and Haval Jolion HEV to Vietnam. In April, GWM begins global exports...

News  Updated at: 2025/04/21

Leapmotor, in partnership with Stellantis, has officially launched operations in Malaysia with an initial investment of EUR 5 million (about MYR 24 million). This marks the start of Leapmotor’s local assembly efforts, positioning Malaysia as a key hub for regional production and exports to other ASEAN markets (expected to begin by 2027). According to the Managing Director of Stellantis ASEAN, local assembly at the Gurun plant will start in 202...

News  Updated at: 2025/04/21

ASEAN agrees not to retaliate on U.S. Tariffs; Seeks deeper EV and Chip cooperation On April 10, 2025, Thailand’s Commerce Ministry joined a special ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting via teleconference with all 10 member states and Timor-Leste. Led by Malaysia, the meeting addressed President Trump’s tariff policy. ASEAN agreed not to retaliate, issued an 8-point joint statement, and launched the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force. ASEAN reaffirmed...

News  Updated at: 2025/04/11