Tesla to Invest In Malaysia, Boosting The Country’s Sustainable Mobility and Economic Growth

Kuala Lumpur, 20 July 2023 –Tesla Sdn. Bhd. (Tesla), a leading American multinational electric automotive manufacturer, is excited to announce its strategic expansion into the Malaysian market. This expansion is a direct response to the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Global Leaders initiative introduced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

Key highlights of Tesla’s operation in Malaysia:

Vehicle Importation: Tesla is committed to introducing its cutting-edge lineup of electric vehicles to Malaysian consumers by offering its Model 3 and Model Y into the market. As the company aims to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of Malaysians, more of its models will be introduced in the future. Malaysian customers may now access its official website to place orders for the announced models, with Model Y already available on the website, priced competitively starting at RM199,000.

Supercharger Network: To address the crucial aspect of charging infrastructure, Tesla will invest significantly in setting up a vast network of fast-charging and regular-charging stations across strategic locations in Malaysia. This initiative is aimed at providing EV owners with a seamless and convenient charging experience, encouraging widespread EV adoption in the country.

Head Office and Service Centre: Tesla is set to establish its state-of-the-art head office and service centre in Cyberjaya, Selangor, which will serve as the central hub for all corporate operations, marketing, training, customer support activities and vehicle services equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed with highly trained Tesla technicians to offer prompt and reliable after-sales services to customers.

Experience Centre: Tesla will establish its experience centres in key metropolitan areas across Malaysia, where customers can explore and experience the latest electric vehicle models firsthand. These centres will serve as interactive spaces for potential buyers to gain insights into the benefits of electric mobility and receive personalised assistance from knowledgeable Tesla sales representatives.

The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), YB Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, said, “We are pleased that Tesla has chosen Malaysia as one of its destinations for their expansion in Southeast Asia. Their commitment to sustainable mobility is closely aligned with Malaysia’s vision for a greener future, and our New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s push for net zero. MITI is focused on transforming our industrial and investment landscape to not only attract companies like Tesla to help enhance our domestic suppliers’ position in global value chains, but also open up new ‘greener’ economic opportunities and create higher-paying jobs for Malaysians. Tesla’s presence here will also help raise Malaysia’s pro-business and pro-investment credentials on the global stage, and we look forward to welcoming more multinational investors that share our vision of developing a more sustainable, balanced and inclusive economic growth for our nation.”

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has approved 58 projects totalling RM26.2 billion in the EV and its related ecosystems from 2018 to March 2023. The approved investments span various areas, including EV assembly, manufacturing of EV parts and components as well as its charging components. As the demand for sustainable transportation continues to rise, MIDA’s support and facilitation of these projects contribute to the advancement of the EV sector in Malaysia, fostering economic development, job creation, and a greener future.

MIDA Chief Executive Officer, YBhg. Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, also lauded Tesla’s investment in the country. “Tesla’s decision to choose Malaysia as its expansion destination highlights the country’s attractiveness as an investment hub in the region. We are pleased to support Tesla in establishing their operations and creating a strong presence in the Malaysian market. The growth of electric mobility will play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s sustainable development and we believe that Tesla will play a crucial part in this journey.”

Tesla’s Regional Director, Ms. Isabel Fan, expressed excitement and optimism about the expansion into Malaysia. “Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. As part of Tesla’s commitment to Malaysia, we have unveiled a comprehensive development plan for experience centre, service and support, and charging infrastructure in the country, aimed at delivering a seamless Tesla ownership experience. We’re committed and excited to help driving a zero emission and greener future for Malaysia.”

With its steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction, Tesla is primed to revolutionise the Malaysian automotive market and contribute significantly to the nation’s environmental goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, in alignment with Malaysia’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Additionally, under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030, Malaysia is set to achieve at least 15% of xEVs out of the total industry volume (TIV) by 2030 and 38% of xEV by 2040 under the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2022 – 2040, with 10,000 units of Charging Facilities built by 2025 (comprising 9,000 alternating current (AC) units and 1,000 direct currents (DC) units).

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About MIDA

MIDA is the Government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Starting operations in 1967 with a relatively small set up of 37 staff, MIDA has grown to become a strong and dynamic organisation of over 700 employees. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA today has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About Tesla Sdn. Bhd.

Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. To accomplish this mission, we design products that are far superior to their fossil fuel counterparts in every way, source and manufacture them as sustainably as possible and sell as many of them as we can. We believe the best way to do this is by offering an ecosystem of products that comprehensively addresses our world’s clean energy generation, storage and transportation needs.

Media Contacts

MIDA
Mr. Nazuki Abdullah
Director, Transportation Technology Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +603-2267 6688

Tesla Sdn. Bhd.
Ms. Michelle Lai
Consumer Engagement Manager (MY and SG)
Email: [email protected]
Tel.: +6019-380 3503