Perodua Weighs RM500 Million Takeover of Tan Chong’s Serendah Plant for EV Expansion
2025/12/30
New car dynamics
-
Click original text link for more information
Paul Tan
Hot News
212 T01 60th Anniversary Edition Interior Revealed with Two-Tone Design and Exclusive Embroidery
The 212 T01 60th Anniversary Edition interior features a two-tone design with exclusive embroidery. Exterior adds commemorative graphics and soft-top. Dimensions are 4705/1895/1936mm with a 2860mm wheelbase, 40° approach and 36° departure angles. The 185kW 2.0T engine pairs with an 8AT, part-time 4WD, optional diff locks and OFFROAD mode, blending rugged capability with modern tech.
Xpeng P7+ Global Debut: 104 Upgrades, 1,550 km EREV Range, Heading to 36 Markets
Xpeng’s 2026 P7+ global variant—104 upgrades over the China-only base—will hit 36 markets. The 5,071 mm-long sedan offers 800-V EV (5C charge, 725 km CLTC) and class-leading REEV (430 km electric + 1,550 km total) powertrains. Fresh cues: one-piece light bar, Y-spoke 20-inch alloys, 29-inch AR-HUD, zero-gravity passenger seat and three Turing AI chips delivering 2,250 TOPS for city/highway NOP. While Malaysia’s CKD list already covers G6 and X9, the P7+ could join future local-assembly slots D02/D03.
BYD Patent: Electric Motors Steer Car During Crash to Prevent Secondary Accidents
A newly published BYD patent describes a post-impact control strategy: once a crash is detected, drive and steering motors instantly counteract impact torque to keep the front wheels straight, preventing steering-wheel snatch and secondary accidents. By leveraging electrification for passive safety, the system complements airbags and high-strength steel, and could later integrate with ADAS to guide the damaged vehicle toward a slightly safer trajectory.
4
Mercedes-Benz to Debut VLE in Stuttgart on March 10, 2026—VAN.EA Electric Flagship Replacing V-Class and EQV
Mercedes-Benz will unveil the VLE on March 10, 2026, in Stuttgart. Riding on the new 800-volt VAN.EA architecture, the model replaces both V-Class and EQV, blending limousine comfort with MPV versatility. Up to eight seats, 116 kWh battery and around 500 km WLTP range are expected, while exterior cues from the Vision V concept—star-pattern lamps, light bar and perforated grille—carry over to production.
5
Perodua Weighs RM500 Million Takeover of Tan Chong’s Serendah Plant for EV Expansion
Perodua is exploring a RM500 million acquisition of TCMA’s Serendah plant, sources tell The Edge. The 40k-unit-capacity site, only 3 km from Perodua’s headquarters, already leases 30k units annually for QV-E EV paint and assembly, generating RM80 million for cash-strapped Tan Chong whose overall utilization hovers at 13%. The deal would lift Perodua beyond its current 320k maximum output and secure dedicated EV capacity, while Tan Chong monetizes excess assets.
6
Fang Cheng Bao "Magnesium 9" Spy Shots: 2026 Slip-back Electric Coupe with LiDAR
Fang Cheng Bao's first sedan, codenamed "Magnesium 9", is set for a 2026 launch. The coupe-style EV features a closed grille, oval headlights, slip-back roof and hidden handles, plus a roof-mounted LiDAR for advanced ADAS. Dual powertrains—pure electric and DMO PHEV—are expected, with an estimated price range of RMB 200-300k, positioning it against rivals like the Xiaomi SU7 and Zeekr 001 .