Bermaz Changan, a newly incorporated subsidiary that is 85% owned by Bermaz Auto (BAuto), has been awarded distributorship rights for Deepal brand electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia. The company will also be responsible for the sale of spare parts and providing aftersales services.
As stated in a recent filing with Bursa Malaysia, the distributorship rights were awarded by Mobitech, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Changan Automobile, which has Deepal, Changan Auto, Avatr and Kaicene under its wing.
The S05 and S07 SUVs are confirmed to be the first models to be offered in Malaysia, according to Shen Xing Hua, president of Changan Auto Southeast Asia. These are expected to be launched here in mid-2025, likely as models fully imported (CBU) from Thailand.
Changan Automobile is currently constructing its first overseas production facility located in Rayong, Thailand with an investment of about 8.8 billion baht (about RM1.1 billion), which is expected to be operational in early 2025. Phase one of this project will include painting, assembly, engine assembly and battery assembly lines be completed, with a yearly production capacity of up to 100,000 vehicles.
For phase two, the Chinese automaker plans to invest up to 20 billion baht (RM2.6 billion) to establish a new energy vehicle (NEV) production facility with an annual production capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles catering to markets in the ASEAN region as well as for the right-hand drive global market. At present, the Deepal range on sale in Thailand includes the L07, S07 and E07. It is joined by the Avatr 11 as well as the Changan Lumin.
It’s worth pointing out that Changan has a joint venture in China with Mazda, which is another brand in BAuto’s portfolio along with Kia and Xpeng. One product to come out of this is the Mazda EZ-6, which is the electrified successor to the Mazda 6 there that uses the same EPA electric hybrid platform as the Deepal L07 (formerly SL03). With the EZ-6 confirmed to be a global model, could this also make its way here in the future? We’ll have to wait and see.
“BAuto (via Bermaz Changan) is elated to be awarded the Deepal distributorship for Malaysia. Deepal brand EVs have trend-setting vehicle designs and are equipped with advanced digital technology with innovative features and strong performance. Deepal aims to be a worldclass electric vehicle brand and to provide more enticing green mobility experiences. This is in line with BAuto Group’s sustainability initiatives of reducing carbon footprint through the introduction of greener and energy efficient vehicles into the market,” said Datuk Francis Lee Kok Chuan, group CEO of BAuto.
“Changan Automobile plans to invest extensively in advanced research and innovative new technologies. Part of this commitment has resulted in the formation of a global R&D organisation. Building cars that please our customers is what motivates Changan Automobile. Our Changan brand vehicles are not new to Malaysia and has always been well-received in the market. Changan Automobile always strive to meet the everchanging needs of its customers,” commented Shen.
GALLERY: Deepal S07 at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show
GALLERY: Deepal S05
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