Porsche to CKD Macan, Cayenne in Malaysia – report

Porsche to CKD Macan, Cayenne in Malaysia – report

Last week, The Edge Weekly published a surprise report saying that Porsche is setting up a CKD assembly plant in Malaysia. The news invariably conjures up images of Boxsters, Caymans and 911s on the cheap, but an article by Maybank Investment Bank Research has poured cold water on those dreams.

Instead, Zuffenhausen is reportedly planning to build the Macan and Cayenne SUVs here. No details beyond that, but expect only the base models to be locally assembled, given that Malaysia is such a price-sensitive market – no GTS or Turbo models, I’m afraid. The two models are built in Leipzig, Germany and Bratislava, Slovakia respectively, so expect a significant price drop for the CKD models.

Currently priced from RM439,351, the entry-level Macan is powered by a EA888 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder engine from the Volkswagen Golf GTI, producing 252 PS and 370 Nm of torque. The Cayenne, on the other hand, gets a 3.0 litre V6 churning out 340 PS and 450 Nm; it retails starting at RM665,000. Local assembly could mean the Macan dips under the RM400,000 mark, which would be unheard of for a Porsche.

Porsche to CKD Macan, Cayenne in Malaysia – report

That’s not all – local assembly would also unlock significant tax exemptions for hybrid vehicles, which could open the door to CKD plug-in hybrid Porsches. The Cayenne E-Hybrid adds a 136 PS electric motor to boost outputs to 462 PS and 700 Nm of torque, while a 17.9 kWh lithium-ion battery enables an all-electric range of 48 km. A CKD version could enable the car to be priced competitively against the Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine and BMW X5 xDrive45e while offering more performance than both – an incredible proposition.

According to the Edge report, Porsche will be working with Inokom to set up a new plant at the latter’s complex in Kulim, Kedah. That’s to be expected, given that Inokom is a subsidiary of Sime Darby Motors, which also owns Porsche distributor Sime Darby Auto Performance. The report also states that Malaysia will be made Porsche’s ASEAN hub, implying that exports to other Southeast Asian countries are part of the plan.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • common sensor on Feb 22, 2021 at 5:26 pm

    Premium brand in Malaysia; it is good for the nation. Localization? Don’t think so, they won’t have the volume to do so. Will end up as SKD ie not a full pledge CKD.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • Porsche Macan CKD RM325k, Cayenne RM425k.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 1
      • Turn M on Feb 23, 2021 at 12:31 am

        Yahooo!!! Now I can get cheaper replacement for my Cayenne! So if my old team want me back, they know what to get for my birthday present.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • wow….. this is truly… unbelieveable!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • (Dude) on Feb 22, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    Ahh yes, Porsche with a price of BMW and Mercedes.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • seancorr (Member) on Feb 22, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    Not surprised with their decision however I believe they would be building the higher tier Macans or Cayennes to cater for the rest of the ASEAN market.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Kancil Hybrid on Feb 22, 2021 at 7:48 pm

    Next step, Taycan!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Aero (Member) on Feb 22, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    Some people will bemoan the fact that Porsche plans to assemble only their SUVs here. But I say this is still excellent and exciting news either way; it’s a pragmatic step forward for Porsche in ASEAN and the wider Asia region. If Porsche can make their CKD ops profitable and sustainable here, it might pave the way for more CKD sports/luxury VW Group SUVs like the VW Touareg, Audi Q7 and Q8, and maybe even the Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga. All these models share the same platform with the Porsche Cayenne.

    Porsche’s interest in Malaysia makes more sense when you consider the fact that our market is the largest in ASEAN for unibody SUVs. The export ratio of SUVs assembled here is also far higher than CKD sedans, hatchbacks, MPVs and pickup trucks. Still, all SUVs currently exported are CKD units (even the Proton X70), and are not fully manufactured here.

    Below, I’ve listed the SUVs currently exported from Malaysia. The ones with asterisks (*) are planned for export in the near future. Please feel free to comment if I’ve missed any.

    (RHD and LHD exports)
    – Mazda CX-5 and CX-8*, Volvo XC90, XC60 and XC40, Peugeot 5008, 3008 and 2008*, Porsche Cayenne* and Macan*

    (RHD exports)
    – Proton X70 and X50*, Perodua Ativa*, MINI Countryman, Haval H1 and H2

    (Not exported, or no proof of exports)
    – Perodua Aruz, Honda HR-V and CR-V, Toyota Fortuner and Rush, BMW X1, X3, X4 and X5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage and Sorento, Nissan X-Trail, Renault Captur, Mitsubishi Outlander and ASX, Subaru XV, Borgward BX5

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 0
    • Chris Lau on Feb 22, 2021 at 10:00 pm

      Believe me, I’d read that all

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • erwink on Feb 23, 2021 at 1:20 am

      The Taycan 4S retails for RM725,000 with Fully imported EVs subject to 10% excise duty only. That CKD 2022 Porsche Macan EV with 0 tax and CKD Porsche Cayenne EV way lower priced… harge mampu milik.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Firdaus on Feb 22, 2021 at 8:15 pm

    gasoline/diesel is always cheaper than hybrid/electric!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 3
  • Bieight on Feb 22, 2021 at 9:22 pm

    Good news for those who wants porsche but can’t afford it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • “ given that Malaysia is such a price-sensitive market…”

    So sad that this is true. And why is that? Because of our archaic, unfair and unreasonable anti-competition excise duty policies favoring local car manufacturers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Inquisitor on Feb 23, 2021 at 8:30 am

      Honestly, any country is price-sensitive, in America and Western Europe, working professionals can buy c-class new for 6-9 months wage, yet most don’t. To put it in perspective, it’s really the equivalent of a Malaysian buying a motorcycle. Yet most people there own cars that cost less than RM 100K.

      But I do agree that the regulations here are indicative of a country that has a scarcity mindset when it comes to the economy and competition.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • casual rider on Feb 23, 2021 at 12:56 am

    any porsche will do!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Surprised Kitty on Feb 23, 2021 at 3:03 am

    Wow dude, what next Tesla HQ in malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • M Fauzi on Feb 23, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    There is definitely a space for a luxury brand for CKD/SKD in Malaysia. The premium brand in Malaysia, has been largely dominated by SKD/CKD units of BMW and Mercedes. Audi, Jaguar or Lexus never made inroads into Malaysian market. Before Range Rover does it, Porsche might as well make the move.
    In 10 years there should be a firm trend of economic spillovers from Spore to South Johor. It’s inevitable. New wealth should benefit premium and luxury automotive sectors.
    Hopefully Porsche will include Cayenne Coupe and Taycan RWD for its SKD line-up!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Hybrid or BEVs are relevant for countries with low carbon grids. Malaysia’s power is still >40% from coal, so the environmentally sensible option that should be subsidized is a Macan or Cayenne with a Diesel engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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