KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd’s automotive arm Sime Motors Sdn Bhd’s strong partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD Co Ltd has propelled the BYD brand in Malaysia, securing an impressive 46% market share in the EV segment in 2024.
Sime Motors Southeast Asia managing director Jeffrey Gan said this partnership had positioned BYD as the top-selling EV brand in Malaysia since its introduction in December 2022.
He said that with popular models such as the Seal, Atto 3, Dolphin, Sealion 7, and M6, BYD successfully met the diverse needs of Malaysian consumers.
Despite BYD’s dominance, Gan said Sime Motors still sees room for collaboration.
The company is open to working with local manufacturers and charge point operators (CPOs) to help develop Malaysia’s EV ecosystem.
“We currently have 123 charging stations across our network and continue to explore expansion opportunities to improve accessibility and convenience for EV owners,” Gan told SunBiz.
Sime Motors’ success with BYD highlights the effectiveness of its distribution strategy.
“Chinese EV manufacturers have been incredibly aggressive in entering the Malaysian and regional automotive landscape, introducing a wide range of new brands and models to capture market share.
“Although its disruptive, it plays a key role in accelerating global EV adoption and fostering healthy competition.
“Their advanced technology, competitive pricing, and diverse range of models cater to various customer segments, further driving the growth of EV.
“While competition is heightening, BYD’s strong brand recognition, product quality and advanced technologies position it well to maintain and grow market share.” Gan said
He noted that Sime Motors has heavily invested in infrastructure, training, and after-sales support to strengthen BYD’s market position.
While this benefits consumers, it also reinforces the perception that foreign brands are leading Malaysia’s EV revolution.
Gan said it takes strong local partnerships to understand and cater to domestic consumer needs.
He also noted that the Malaysian EV market is undergoing a major shift, driven by the rapid expansion of Chinese manufacturers, including BYD.
“While the strong demand for Chinese EVs signals a positive shift toward green mobility, as the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, we understand that technology and innovation are fundamental to the brand’s success.
“However, having advanced technology alone is not sufficient to successfully penetrate the market.
“To truly make an impact, it’s essential to have a strong partner who understands the local market dynamics and consumer needs.
“Sime Motors has played a pivotal role in this, bringing a wealth of local expertise to the table,” he said.
While this is positive for the green mobility initiative, some industry observers warn that this growth may come at the expense of Malaysia’s local automotive sector.
This is because Chinese EV makers have shaken up the industry by offering high-tech, affordable alternatives.
However, their rapid expansion raises concerns about Malaysia’s growing dependency on foreign automakers.
Sime Motors is proud to hold a 46% share of the EV market in Malaysia, reaffirming our leadership in the country’s transition to greener mobility. Our commitment to advancing the EV sector continues to drive positive change in the industry.
As competition in the EV sector intensifies, Malaysia stands at a crossroads.
The choices made now will determine whether the country can build a strong local EV industry or if it will continue to be shaped by foreign giants.
