Tesla Sdn. Bhd. (Tesla), a leading American multinational electric automotive manufacturer announced its strategic expansion into the Malaysian market. This expansion is a direct response to the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Global Leaders initiative introduced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
The company will set up its head office and service centre in Cyberjaya, Selangor, which will serve as the central hub for all corporate operations, marketing, training, customer support activities, and vehicle services.
The space will be equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed with trained Tesla technicians to offer after-sales services to customers.
The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, said, “We are pleased that Tesla has chosen Malaysia as one of its destinations for their expansion in Southeast Asia. Their commitment to sustainable mobility is closely aligned with Malaysia’s vision for a greener future, and our New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s push for net zero.”
“MITI is focused on transforming our industrial and investment landscape to not only attract companies like Tesla to help enhance our domestic suppliers’ position in global value chains, but also open up new ‘greener’ economic opportunities and create higher-paying jobs for Malaysians. Tesla’s presence here will also help raise Malaysia’s pro-business and pro-investment credentials on the global stage, and we look forward to welcoming more multinational investors that share our vision of developing a more sustainable, balanced and inclusive economic growth for our nation,” he added.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has approved 58 projects totalling RM26.2 billion in the EV and its related ecosystems from 2018 to March 2023. The approved investments span various areas, including EV assembly, manufacturing of EV parts and components as well as its charging components.
As the demand for sustainable transportation continues to rise, MIDA’s support and facilitation of these projects contribute to the advancement of the EV sector in Malaysia, fostering economic development, job creation, and a greener future.
MIDA Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, also lauded Tesla’s investment in the country. “Tesla’s decision to choose Malaysia as its expansion destination highlights the country’s attractiveness as an investment hub in the region. We are pleased to support Tesla in establishing its operations and creating a strong presence in the Malaysian market. The growth of electric mobility will play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s sustainable development and we believe that Tesla will play a crucial part in this journey.”
Tesla’s Regional Director, Isabel Fan, expressed excitement and optimism about the expansion into Malaysia.
“Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. As part of Tesla’s commitment to Malaysia, we have unveiled a comprehensive development plan for an experience centre, service and support, and charging infrastructure in the country, aimed at delivering a seamless Tesla ownership experience. We’re committed and excited to help drive a zero-emission and greener future for Malaysia,” she said.
With its steadfast commitment to innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction, Tesla is primed to revolutionise the Malaysian automotive market and contribute significantly to the nation’s environmental goal to become carbon neutral by 2050, in alignment with Malaysia’s pledge to reduce carbon emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Additionally, under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030, Malaysia is set to achieve at least 15% of xEVs out of the total industry volume (TIV) by 2030 and 38% of xEV by 2040 under the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2022 – 2040, with 10,000 units of Charging Facilities built by 2025 (comprising 9,000 alternating current (AC) units and 1,000 direct currents (DC) units).
Earlier in June, thousands of jobseekers turned up at Tesla Malaysia’s walk-in recruitment day for a handful of jobs at the multinational automotive and energy company before its setup. The various positions on offer included sales advisor/inside sales advisor, enterprise sales advisor, delivery advisor, customer support specialist and service advisor.
MITI also mentioned that Tesla’s presence in Malaysia was expected to create skilled and better-paying job opportunities for workers in the BEV segment and increase the participation of local companies in the Tesla ecosystem, both domestically and globally.
