XPENG to Begin Local Assembly in Malaysia by Mid-2026 - CleanTechnica

XPENG has announced a partnership with Malaysian industrial firm EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) to begin local assembly of its electric vehicles in Malacca, Malaysia, starting in 2026. The initial production will focus on the G6 electric SUV by March 31, 2026, followed by the X9 minivan and its extended-range hybrid version by May 25, 2026. The agreement also grants EPMB first rights to assemble three additional XPENG models. This move marks XPENG’s third international manufacturing initiative and aligns with a broader trend of Chinese EV makers establishing local production in Southeast Asia to overcome trade barriers and tap into the region’s growing EV market. Malaysia has become a strategic hub for Chinese EV manufacturers due to its right-hand-drive markets and attractive tax incentives, including full exemptions from import duties and sales taxes on locally assembled EVs until the end of 2027. The government aims for EVs to account for 20% of new vehicle sales by