Sime Darby Motors Officially Launches BYD in Malaysia

Sime Darby Motors, the automotive arm of Sime Darby Berhad, and BYD marked a milestone today, as the first BYD electric vehicle (EV) for the passenger market arrived on Malaysian shores. The unveiling of the BYD Energy Awaken ATTO 3, an all-electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), follows Sime Darby Motors’ recent appointment as the official exclusive distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia.

To drive a new era for Malaysia’s EV future, RM500 million is set to be invested over the next two years to establish a wide network of BYD showrooms as well as EV charging infrastructure to serve the country’s growing appetite for EVs, with the first showroom slated to open by mid-December 2022 at TREC KL on Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. This will be followed by three more at Ara Damansara, Penang and Johor by the first half of 2023. By the end of 2023, with the support of dealer partners, Sime Darby Motors and BYD expect to bring the number of showrooms in the country to 20. In 2024, this number will be doubled.

The Sime Darby Motors and BYD partnership is part of the automotive company’s commitment to accelerating the transition to EVs and a low carbon mobility future for Malaysia. By bringing BYD’s game-changing EVs into the market, Sime Darby Motors is taking the lead to drive Malaysia’s EV ecosystem and support the nation’s development as a sustainable hub in the region. This also contributes to the expansion of BYD’s growing global presence.

Yang Berhormat Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), officiated the launch ceremony. Also in attendance to commemorate the milestone were YBhg. Dato’ Zailani Hj. Hashim Director General, Road Transport Department (JPJ); Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors; Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Retail & Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Malaysia; Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division; and Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd and PT. BYD Motor Indonesia.

Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors, said, “In line with our aim to be a leader in EV and with a view towards propelling Malaysia’s EV aspirations, we are excited to embark on this new chapter with BYD following our success in Singapore. With half a billion ringgit set to be invested, this will support our aggressive expansion plans for the brand here and reflects our belief in the brand’s universal appeal. BYD’s line up of world-class vehicles which feature premium specs at an attractive price point is set to be a game-changer to spur EV adoption amongst Malaysians.”

Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, commented, “As part of our vision for a sustainable future powered by electrification, we are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Sime Darby Motors to enter the Malaysian market. Drawing on Sime Darby Motors’ proven track record and capabilities as a regional player in the automotive industry, particularly its broad distribution network in Malaysia, combined with BYD’s pioneering technology and expertise, we strive to deliver our innovative vehicles to Malaysian consumers and support the country’s carbon reduction ambitions.”

The fully electric BYD ATTO 3, the first SUV built on BYD’s advanced e-platform 3.0, is specially designed as a high-performance EV, providing intelligence, efficiency, unrivalled safety and aesthetics. Possessing excellent battery range, BYD ATTO 3 can travel up to 480km on a single charge, allowing drivers to go further and save time on charging. Sporting a modern and clean design coupled with speedy, energetic and dynamic characteristics, BYD ATTO 3 truly raises the bar for the SUV segment.

The BYD ATTO 3 will be available in two variants, priced from RM149,800 for the Standard Range and RM167,800 for the Extended Range.