Good news from MITI for BYD and GWM and other Chinese car manufacturers who were planning to launch new pickup trucks in Malaysia.
A few months ago there were rumblings in the industry that the BYD Shark, MG U9 and the GWM Cannon pickup trucks will not be allowed to launch in Malaysia. This was addressed by MITI swiftly with an official statement (see below screenshot).
MITI denied claims that there were restrictions on the entry of new pickup truck models. Meanwhile, commercial pickup trucks are still permitted to enter through the Import Permit (AP) quota under the Market Research Pre-Assembly (MRA) allocation.
Overall, MITI stressed that the conditions imposed are fair and applicable to all new investors to ensure technology transfer and the development of a sustainable local vendor ecosystem. Malaysia now has 14 automotive brands (34 auto brands in total) from China operating, proving that existing policies are not a barrier for foreign investors.
So, the business of selling fully imported pickup trucks (double cab models) in Malaysia will need to be addressed as the import taxes on these vehicles will be high and will then push selling prices to be too high for many Malaysians to take ownership.
Brands like JEEP (planned to return) and INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster might not come into Malaysia as earlier planned.
The Grenadier (pictured below) is a rugged, purpose-built pickup truck sharing the SUV’s tough ladder-frame chassis, BMW straight-six engines, and off-road capability. With solid axles, triple locking differentials and a 3,500 kg towing capacity, it is designed for maximum utility and durability.
It is available as a double cab pickup, combining 4×4 performance with a versatile load bed. Selling price before Malaysian taxes and logistic costs is USD85,000 which means final selling price in Malaysia does not make economic sense.
Meanwhile, the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck (pictured below) is priced from USD40,000 before import duties and logistic costs which is also way higher than the current pickup trucks being sold in Malaysia.
