Malaysia In Talks With Electric, Hybrid Auto Makers

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government is in the midst of negotations with foreign car makers for the latter to set up electric and hybrid vehicle assembly and distribution points here, says Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Mukhriz Mahathir. He said this is in line with the government's aspiration to transform Malaysia into an electric and hybrid vehicle hub in the region. "The disscussion is at several stages and we will wait for the respective companies to make the announcement, some companies are serious and some want to think about the idea. "The manufacturers are from many countries, but I cannot reveal the details for now," he told reporters after launching the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Showcase here on Wednesday. Mukhriz said there were issues during the negotations such as whether the Malaysian market is big enough for the companies to come here. "We are trying to look at it from the standpoint of the Asean market rather than just the Malaysian market alone," he added. He said the government is also talking to several automotive parts and component makers to establish their plant here. "We understand also that there are a number of different components in the car manufacturing industry including in the hybrid business. "So once we are talking wih the automotive sector, we are also talking to the parts and components suppliers to convince them to look at Malaysia as a serious destination for their investment while at the same time supporting the industry as a whole," he said. Mukhriz said it is very encouraging to learn that more Malaysians are taking the effort to reduce carbon emissions by buying electric and hybrid cars, adding this will be another reason for foreign car makers to invest in Malaysia. Asked on the future of Proton Holdings Bhd's electric vehicle initiative once foreign auto companies enter the local market, Mukhriz said the national auto maker has its own niche in the hearts of Malaysians as well as the local automotive segment. "I am quite confident that Proton has an advantage in terms of proximity and reliability as the green auto market is not as mature as other segments of the economy yet. "Proton will come out with competitive cars and they will also have a major role in realising Malaysia's aim of reducing carbon emissions," he said. -- BERNAMA Malaysia