Xpeng has a Malaysian office with a new Country Head, Adrian Loh.
The landscape of the Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) market is undergoing a seismic shift. In a major strategic move, XPENG Motors has officially appointed Adrian Loh as its new Country Head for Malaysia, effective October 2025.
This appointment signals a pivotal transition for the brand as it establishes a direct, independent presence in the Malaysian market. While Bermaz Auto—XPENG‘s inaugural partner in the country—will continue to play a vital role in vehicle distributorship and maintain its extensive showroom and after-sales network as far as we can tell, the installment of a dedicated Country Head marks XPENG’s intent to lead its own strategic direction in the region.
Establishing Malaysia as a Regional Tech Hub
XPENG’s vision for Malaysia extends far beyond traditional car sales. The company is currently in active discussions with the Malaysian government to potentially anchor its AI development in the country. By leveraging Malaysia’s advanced semiconductor industry and skilled workforce, XPENG aims to position the nation as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and next-generation automotive technology, including autonomous driving and smart cabin systems.
This move aligns perfectly with the recent confirmation that XPENG will initiate Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) operations in Melaka. Partnering with EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB), the brand plans to locally assemble the G6 SUV, the X9 MPV, and its innovative range-extender variants starting in 2026. This localization is essential for remaining competitive as tax exemptions for fully imported (CBU) EVs are set to expire by the end of 2025.
The Man at the Helm: Adrian Loh
Adrian Loh brings over two decades of automotive excellence to XPENG. His career is defined by leadership roles at some of the world’s most prestigious marques:
- Country Head, XPENG Malaysia (Oct 2025 – Present)
- General Manager of Network Development, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (SEA II Region) (Aug 2024 – June 2025)
- Senior Regional Manager & Head of Network Development, BMW Group Malaysia (Jul 2011 – Aug 2025)
- Manager of Inventory Management & Logistics, EON (Jul 2001 – Jul 2011)
Reflecting on his new role and the brand’s mission, Loh shared his vision in a recent LinkedIn post:
“Malaysia serves as a strategic starting point for XPENG to deepen its presence in the ASEAN right-hand drive market and a key link in fulfilling our ‘In the Region, For the Region’ commitment. We aim to establish Malaysia as an important base to radiate influence across the broader ASEAN region.”
Strategic Vision: “In the Region, For the Region”
Malaysia represents XPENG’s first right-hand-drive (RHD) assembly line, a move that James Wu, XPENG’s Vice President, called a “significant milestone” in the company’s global strategy. With mass production set to begin in 2026, the Melaka plant is expected to serve as a manufacturing powerhouse for RHD markets across Southeast Asia.
By combining local assembly, a dedicated leadership team under Adrian Loh, and a potential AI R&D hub, XPENG is not just entering the Malaysian market—it is helping to build the future of the nation’s automotive ecosystem.
