Hyundai Malaysia now exports the locally-assembled STARIA to Thailand.
Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) today officially announced the commencement of its regional vehicle shipping operations, marking a historic shift toward transforming its local setups into a dedicated regional manufacturing hub. The company’s first export batch of locally produced Hyundai STARIA multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) officially departed Malaysian shores on June 3, 2026, heading directly to Thailand.
The 10-seater variant of the futuristic MPV will officially go on sale to Thai consumers starting June 12, 2026. This structural expansion highlights HMY’s aggressive export ambitions and its long-term industrial commitment to investing in the growth and development of the Malaysian automotive ecosystem.
Built in Malaysia, Made for the ASEAN Region
The Hyundai STARIA stands as a major manufacturing milestone, representing HMY’s very first locally produced vehicle model line. The vehicles are assembled through a strategic manufacturing partnership with Inokom—Sime Motors’ high-tech local assembly facility located in Kulim, Kedah.
“The export of the Hyundai STARIA to Thailand marks the beginning of Malaysia being an export hub for Hyundai,” stated Ms. Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor Malaysia. “This is a milestone we are proud of, as it reflects our brand’s unwavering commitment to deliver vehicles of global quality, while continuing to invest in Malaysia’s growth and development. Driven by our tagline Sentiasa di sisi anda, we are just getting started.”
An Award-Winning Family Platform
The underlying engineering architecture of the STARIA family carries strong credentials within the regional market.
According to HMY, the prestigious industrial recognition serves as a clear testament to the vehicle’s:
- Exceptional Performance: Refined power delivery suited for highway cruising and city navigation alike.
- Premium Comfort: A spacious, lounge-like cabin environment tailored for high-end executive transport or large family transits.
- Advanced Safety Features: Next-generation driver assistance networks designed to keep occupants secure.
- Innovative Design: A unique, futuristic exterior silhouette that sets a distinct visual benchmark in the traditional boxy MPV segment.
