one such market which has undergone a significant transition, shifting away from welcoming imports to actively protecting its long-standing national automotive brands, Proton and Perodua. Effective since July 2026, the government has introduced stringent regulatory barriers on Completely Built-Up (CBU) Electric Vehicles (EVs). Under the new rules, imported BEVs must meet both a minimum Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) floor price of RM200,000 (...

News  Updated at: 2026/08/26

Ghandhara Industries signs agreement with UD Trucks for Pakistan market On August 17, Ghandhara Industries Limited signed an agreement with UD Trucks Corporation to import, market, and distribute completely built-up (CBU) UD Trucks in Pakistan. The company expects to begin importing and distributing UD Trucks in the country from the first quarter of calendar year 2027. The partnership will expand Ghandhara Industries’ commercial-vehicle portfol...

News  Updated at: 2026/08/25

EVAT outlines its stance on Thailand's CBU EV import duty restructuring Announced on August 20, 2026, via a social media post, the Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) clarified its position on the restructuring of import duties on completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles, saying it has been in ongoing discussions with government agencies and is still compiling its proposal in consultation with member companies. EVAT said it continues to s...

News  Updated at: 2026/08/21

Auto sales in Vietnam up 6.2% in July, showing signs of recovery; demand for HV continues to expand According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) report issued on August 11, automobile sales (including imported vehicles of non-VAMA manufacturers' sales) in Vietnam were up 6.2% year-over-year to 33,707 units in July. CKD volume was 13,798 units and CBU volume was 19,909 units. VAMA members (20 manufacturers) sales in July we...

News  Updated at: 2026/08/13

ts 2026 Indonesia allocation within one day, with 132 units reserved as of August 6, exceeding the 100-unit allocation for 2026. Orders opened on August 5 at IDR 438 million (OTR Jakarta), with customer deliveries to begin in stages from the end of August. The compact EV is imported from Japan as a CBU model and has a maximum output of 70 kW (95 hp) and maximum torque of 162 Nm, with a 29.6 kWh lithium-ion battery and an NEDC-rated range stated a...

News  Updated at: 2026/08/10

or producing 95 PS and 176 Nm. BAIC claims a CLTC driving range of 425 km. BAIC Indonesia targets sales of 1,000 T1 units by the end of 2026 and aims for a 16% market share in the premium hatchback crossover EV segment. The company said the model will initially be imported as a completely built-up (CBU) vehicle, while targeting local content through CKD of up to 60% by 2027. The launch marks BAIC Indonesia’s entry into the BEV segment, expandi...

News  Updated at: 2026/08/05

Honda Cars India launches ZR-V e:HEV hybrid SUV On July 25, Honda Cars India announced the pricing and start of deliveries of the all-new Honda ZR-V e:HEV premium hybrid SUV. The model is imported from Japan as a completely built unit (CBU) and is priced at INR 4.799 million (ex-showroom). The new Honda ZR-V e:HEV is powered by e:HEV Sports hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter direct injection Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and a dual-motor hy...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/27

VinFast Indonesia plans 2027 CKD e-motorbike assembly, announces 20 new e-motorbike dealerships Reported on July 18, 2026, VinFast plans to begin assembling electric motorcycles in Indonesia from 2027 at a completely knocked down (CKD) facility in Subang, West Java. VinFast Indonesia E-Motorcycle CEO said all its motorcycles currently available in Indonesia are imported as completely built-up (CBU) units. VinFast also announced it will open 20 of...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/22

oT Institute (MARii), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Road Transport Department (JPJ). Responsibilities include coordinating applications and reporting related to government incentives, tax and import duty exemptions, and advising on regulatory matters related to completely built-up (CBU) and completely knocked down (CKD) operations. Xiaomi has not officially confirmed plans for a Malaysian launch, including timing, vehicle lineup,...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/17

y 14, 2026, iCaur Malaysia shared a new teaser post for the V23 on its social media page, featuring the message “a new local player is arriving.” The teaser suggests that iCaur may introduce a locally assembled (CKD) version of the V23. Launched in Malaysia in November 2025 as a fully imported (CBU) model, the V23 is available in two variants: single-motor 2WD and dual-motor iWD (all-wheel-drive). iCaur Malaysia launched the CKD iCaur 03 in M...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/15

Auto sales in Vietnam down 2.7% in June, hybrid sales up 97.1% According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) report issued on July 10, automobile sales (including imported vehicles of non-VAMA manufacturers' sales) in Vietnam were down 2.7% year-over-year to 31,104 units in June . CKD volume was 12,541 units and CBU volume was 18,563 units. VAMA members (20 manufacturers) sales in June were down 5.6% y/y to 24,356 units. VA...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/13

Malaysia’s stricter CBU EV import rules take effect, Chinese EV brands expected to reassess market strategies Reported on July 5, 2026, Malaysia implemented stricter import requirements for completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles (EVs) on July 1, which could limit imports of lower-priced models and affect strategies of Chinese EV brands in the market. Under the new rules introduced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), i...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/10

rter and distributor of its Geely Galaxy brand in Pakistan, marking Geely’s formal entry into the market. The first phase will include two battery-electric vehicles, i.e., the Galaxy EX5 compact SUV and Galaxy EX2 compact hatchback, with both scheduled to arrive in Q3 2026 as completely built-up (CBU) imports. Bestway Group will oversee homologation, dealership development, sales, after-sales support and customer service, using its existing aut...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/09

Gaikindo data shows Indonesia’s CBU exports reach 47,560 vehicles in May 2026, Japanese brands lead On June 24, 2026, Gaikindo released an infographic showing that Indonesia’s automotive sector recorded stronger export activity in the first five months of 2026, with completely built-up (CBU) vehicle exports reaching their highest level of the year in May, while component exports also surged. CBU exports reached 47,560 units in May 2026, down ...

News  Updated at: 2026/07/01

BMW India, launches X6 M60i xDrive for INR 17.79 million On June 26, BMW India launched the X6 M60i xDrive in India at INR 17.79 million (ex-showroom), available as a CBU import. The car is powered by a newly developed 4.4-litre M TwinPower Turbo V8 gasoline engine producing 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, paired with a 48V mild hybrid system and an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds wi...

News  Updated at: 2026/06/26

Chery Q EV officially launched in Thailand; Initial CBU imports, Rayong production planned for Q4 Reported on June 24, 2026, Chery Thailand has officially launched the Chery Q electric city car and announced prices after showcasing the model at the Bangkok Motor Show 2026 and opening registrations for interested customers. The first 2,000 units will initially be imported from China as completely built units (CBU), with deliveries expected to begi...

News  Updated at: 2026/06/25

le to the Customs Act retains concessional customs duty structures for electric and hybrid vehicles under the EV Policy 2020 and Auto Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP) 2021-26, with concessions extended until June 30, 2027. The electric buses and trucks will attract nil customs duty on CBU imports, while electric 4-wheelers valued up to USD 50,000 are subject to 25% duty, with a 50% reduction available for manufacturers importing up ...

News  Updated at: 2026/06/18

Lumpur International Mobility Show 2026 (KLIMS 2026) ahead of its planned Q3 2026 launch. Similar to Thailand and Australia, the brand will be marketed in Malaysia under the MG IM name rather than as a standalone marque as it is in China. Leading the lineup will be the IM6 electric D-segment SUV, a CBU import from China with a claimed WLTP-rated driving range of up to 600 km. Other models showcased at the event included the MG HS Hybrid+, MGS5 EV...

News  Updated at: 2026/06/12

Auto sales in Vietnam up 2.5% in May According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) report issued on June 9, automobile sales (including imported vehicles of non-VAMA manufacturers' sales) in Vietnam were up 2.5% year-over-year to 29,935 units in May. CKD volume was 13,080 units and CBU volume was 16,855 units. VAMA members (20 manufacturers) sales in May were up 6.5% y/y to 24,136 units. VAMA members passenger car sales wer...

News  Updated at: 2026/06/10

g G6 units. XPeng previously confirmed EPMB as its CKD partner in Malaysia, with both the G6 and X9 expected to be locally assembled. A range-extended electric version of the X9 (PowerX REEV) is also slated for production in Melaka. The XPeng G6 is currently offered in Malaysia as a fully imported (CBU) model from China, available in both RWD and AWD variants. Pricing for CKD units has yet to be announced. (From XPeng Global social media updates ...

News  Updated at: 2026/06/08