The iCAUR 03 is now locally-assembled in Shah Alam for greater adoption in Malaysia.
Since its Malaysian debut in September 2025, the iCAUR 03 has challenged the generic, aerodynamic mold of the current EV market with its unapologetic “Boxy Retro” aesthetic. This design-led approach has resonated deeply with local drivers, culminating in a record of 547 units registered in April 2026 alone, making iCAUR the 4th best selling EV brand in Malaysia. Now, iCAUR Malaysia is moving beyond just “selling” cars to “building” them, marking a strategic pivot toward Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly at the Chery Corporate Shah Alam plant.
The “Post-2025” Strategy: Why CKD Matters Now
The transition to local assembly is a calculated response to Malaysia’s evolving regulatory landscape. With the expiration of the CBU (Completely Built-Up) tax holiday at the end of 2025, many brands are facing significant price hikes due to the return of import duties.
By moving to CKD assembly, iCAUR is able to provide price protection for the Malaysian consumer, maintaining affordability despite the new tax environment. Furthermore, choosing the Shah Alam facility as a production hub ensures a stable supply chain and faster delivery times, with the first CKD units expected to reach customers by the end of May 2026. The CKD iCAUR 03 is the same price as the CBU model: RM129,880 on-the-road price without insurance.
Retro Design, Local Heart: Maintaining Global Specs
A common concern with local assembly is the potential for “spec-down” versions of original models. However, the CKD iCAUR 03 is a mirror image of its CBU predecessor. iCAUR in its locally-assembled spec retains the full-spec advanced iWD (intelligent Wheel Drive) variant.
Rigorous quality control is maintained through close collaboration with Chery Corporate, ensuring that every vehicle built in Shah Alam meets the same global standards as those produced in China.
Economic Contribution and the NEV Roadmap
iCAUR’s investment in Shah Alam extends beyond tax incentives; it is a commitment to the Malaysian New Energy Vehicle (NEV) ecosystem. The project drives job creation within the local workforce and facilitates technology transfer by bringing advanced NEV manufacturing processes into the heart of the Klang Valley.
This move aligns with national sustainability goals, such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which targets 80% EV adoption by 2050. By introducing a variety of retro-classic models, iCAUR is proving that “green” mobility can be expressive, practical, and unmistakably premium.
As iCAUR expands its presence to over 40 countries, the Malaysian CKD initiative stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to integrate into the local industrial fabric while staying true to its “Born to Play” spirit. For the Malaysian driver, the message is clear: the future of the “Boxy Retro” is local, sustainable, and ready for adventure.
