If you somehow missed it, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has took over its namesake brand in Malaysia, and with the principal coming in, Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY, as they want to be known) would be the equivalent of Honda Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and other OEMs directly controlled by the mothership.
Earlier this month, HMY’s social media went live on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn and TikTok. The company didn’t say much then, other than saying ‘Hello’ in many languages. Today, HMY officially announced its presence to the public, stating its long term commitment to Malaysia, declared three new models (in the SUV and MPV segments) and invited existing Hyundai owners to connect.
“Hyundai Motor Company officially establishes Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) — marking a bold step forward with a direct presence in the Malaysian market. More than a change in structure, this milestone reflects a renewed commitment to the nation’s growth, innovation, and people,” the statement read.
“With a dedicated team on the ground, a new home at Menara Affin @ TRX, Hyundai is now in the driver’s seat — ready to deliver smarter decisions, closer connections, and a future-focused experience tailored for Malaysia. It’s a promise — to grow, innovate, and move forward together,” HMY added.
In a subsequent press release, HMY said that beyond the initial three new models, there are plans for up to seven new models within five years, and they will roll out of Inokom’s Kulim plant, Hyundai’s long-time contract assembly partner. This new era of CKD operations is set to commence in Q3 2025. The focus will be on ICE and hybrids, not EVs, and as production capacity grows, around 30% of cars assembled in Malaysia are expected to be exported to neighbouring markets.
To recap, late last year, HMC announced a RM2.16 billion investment into Malaysia, which involves a strategic partnership between the Korean carmaker and Inokom to upgrade the latter’s capacity to meet HMC’s requirements. It was reported that the investment will be over a period of six years from 2025 to 2030, and it will include an EV battery assembly factory in Kulim as well as six CKD locally-assembled models.
Then, Korea’s Yonhap reported that the upgraded CKD plant will assemble MPVs including the Staria from mid-2025. There are also plans to expand the range to include mid- and large-size SUVs. HMC’s Malaysian plant will assemble vehicles for local consumption and other ASEAN markets, with production starting at 20,000 units a year.
“We made this investment decision considering the growing importance of Southeast Asia and the Malaysian market. We aim to contribute to the economic and social development of the region through job creation and local talent development,” HMC said then, reported by Yonhap.
If you’re wondering what becomes of Hyundai Sime Motors, the longtime local guardians of the brand would most probably be a ‘super dealer’ of the brand, akin to Auto Bavaria for BMW and Cycle & Carriage for Mercedes-Benz.
HMY says that it plans to roll out key improvements across its service network, expanding to 25 outlets by 2030. Current Hyundai owners, register yourselves with the QR code above for updates, including service reminders, software updates, maintenance campaigns and future ownership benefits.
So, which new models would you like to see HMY bring in? The sole car in HMY’s images (on the TV) is of the fourth-generation Tuscon facelift, which has fewer but bigger ‘hidden DRLs’ compared to the pre-facelift sold by HSDM, plus a new EV-style cockpit. I like the fifth-generation Santa Fe, and the latest Palisade is a classy beast. Hyundai also sells the Stargazer in neighbouring countries – do you think the sharp-bodied three-row budget MPV would work here as a rival to the Perodua Alza, Toyota Veloz and Mitsubishi Xpander?
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long time coming man hyundai. u let those monkey who know nuts in sime drag down your brand
Hyundai Staria Hybrid?
“Ready to deliver smarter decision” that is huge slap on the face to sime darby LMAO. This should be a wake up call to the rest of other automakers operate under sime motors. Let that sad excuse of corporation vanish for good
Bring in stargazer, more fun to ride than underpowered toyota veloz
If they CKD the Stargazer and sell it around the price of Veloz and Xpander, I will 100% buy Stargazer, especially the model with captain seats
Byd quickly ditch sime darby
All we want is vehicles that are priced competively to match the market prices and yes you better establish your own used car division to stop the rip off prices that second hand dealers are asking from customers who want to sell and upgrade to newer vehicles.
Habislah toyota
Maybe I am in the small percentage, but I do wish that they will bring in sedan cars as well.
I guess the 3 models that wil be launch are:
1. Staria
Already mentioned. Maybe we will see a sub 150k Staria 10-seater perhaps? or 8- or 7-seater Staria Premium being ckd also?
2. Tucson
Already teased on their website. Maybe turbo gas and turbo hybrid for our market. Hope they ditch the 2.0 NA.
3. Kona/Santa Fe
B-SUV a big hit in Malaysia and it would be such a big loss if Hyundai did not CKD Kona Turbo or hybrid in Malaysia. But maybe Santa Fe a big candidate for 3rd model because they mentioned to assemble medium to large vehicle.
I hope they might consider bringing back sedan or hatchback car like Accent, Elantra or even Sonata.
3 new models, staria is not a new model it already exists.
2015 Santa Fe had a faulty engine recall but was not shared to owners. It’s 2025 now and my friends car has the exact problem described by the recall.
Will Hyundai Malaysia honour this recall repairs
All car brands have problems, not only this car. But at least hyundai reliability new cars are improving and also not like toyota where toyota quality is declining nowadays, no wonder why toyota got caught cheating scandals unlike hyundai
Hyundai SUV rear signal lights are too low for our roads. Motorcyclist will. Not see it if you want to. Turn.
Please Hyundai bawak masuk Elantra baru,santa Fe dan Tucson Facelift, atau Stargazer utk pasaran Malaysia nanti
Pls bring in some N models like the Elantra and price it competitively