Jetour Auto Malaysia Investment Creates APAC R&D Hub Expansion

Jetour Auto Malaysia Strengthens Malaysia Export and R&D Strategy

Reported on July 23, 2026, Jetour Auto Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to establishing Malaysia as its export and Asia-Pacific (APAC) R&D hub during the launch of the T1 compact SUV. The company plans to invest MYR 841 million across manufacturing, research and development, and network expansion activities. This investment is expected to create more than 3,200 jobs while increasing the localization rate beyond 40%. Currently, all Jetour vehicles sold in Malaysia are locally assembled.

Investment Plan and Regional Export Expansion

Jetour’s expansion strategy focuses on strengthening production capabilities and increasing regional market reach through localized operations. Initial export destinations will include Brunei and South Africa, followed by future expansion into Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, and Mexico. A new CKD facility at the Chery Smart Auto Park in Lembah Beringin is planned for later in 2026. The facility will operate separately from Chery Corporate Malaysia while remaining within the same compound to support manufacturing and export activities.

Regional R&D Center for Market-Specific Vehicles

The planned R&D center will use regional market insights from Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, and Australia to support vehicle development tailored for local customer requirements. By combining manufacturing expansion with regional engineering capabilities, Jetour aims to improve product adaptation across Asia-Pacific markets. The initiative highlights the company’s focus on building a stronger automotive ecosystem in Malaysia through increased localization, employment generation, export capability development, and technology-driven vehicle programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jetour Auto Malaysia Investment focused on?
Jetour Auto Malaysia Investment focuses on manufacturing expansion, R&D development, export growth, and increasing vehicle localization in Malaysia. The company plans MYR 841 million investment to create more than 3,200 jobs and raise localization beyond 40%. The initiative includes a new CKD facility and a regional R&D center designed to develop vehicles according to market requirements across Asia-Pacific regions while supporting Malaysia’s role as an automotive hub.

Which markets will receive Jetour vehicles from Malaysia?
Jetour plans to begin exports from Malaysia to Brunei and South Africa, with future expansion expected toward Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, and Mexico. The export strategy is supported by increased local assembly capability and manufacturing investment. The company aims to use Malaysia as a regional base for vehicle production, engineering development, and market-specific solutions for multiple international destinations.