Author: Dimas Mahendra

Chinese automaker SAIC Motor has started local assembly of the MG4 EV Urban in Thailand ahead of the electric hatchback’s market launch, marking the first time the new-generation model is being produced outside China. The vehicle is being assembled from completely knocked-down (CKD) kits at a manufacturing facility in Chonburi Province operated through a joint venture between SAIC and Charoen Pokphand Group. The MG4 EV Urban becomes the third MG-branded electric vehicle to enter local production in Thailand following the MG4 EV and MG S5 EV, which began production in 2023 and 2025 respectively. While previous media reports suggested SAIC…

Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has signed memorandums of understanding with 29 after-sales partners across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Kazakhstan as the company accelerates expansion of its global service network. VinFast said it plans to operate more than 1,100 workshops globally during 2026 through a combination of dealership service centres, fleet-support facilities and authorised third-party repair partners depending on the market. The agreements were signed during a VinFast global partner event attended by more than 200 investors, distributors, dealers and service providers. In the United States, VinFast is expanding service coverage through a…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has delivered its 10,000th new energy vehicle in Cambodia, marking a milestone for the company six years after entering the Southeast Asian market. The milestone vehicle was the Fangchengbao Ti 7 sport utility vehicle, one of BYD’s newer models being promoted in overseas markets. BYD officially entered Cambodia in 2020 through local partner Hramony Auto, which opened the company’s first 4S dealership and began sales operations in the country. The automaker’s market presence expanded from 2022 following the introduction of the ATTO 3, marketed in China as the Yuan Plus, helping the company gain momentum…

Volvo Cars is facing legal action in Thailand after two fires involving its Volvo EX30 occurred months after the company issued a global recall linked to battery fire risks. Thailand’s Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has filed a civil lawsuit against Volvo following the incidents, according to local authorities and Reuters. The first fire reportedly occurred in Bangkok around March 25, while the second took place on May 15 when an EX30 was charging at a customer’s home. Authorities said the second fire spread to a nearby Ford Ranger and also damaged part of the property. Volvo had…

VinFast has started local production of the VinFast VF MPV 7 at its manufacturing plant in West Java, expanding the company’s production operations in the Indonesian market. The VF MPV 7 rolled off the production line at VinFast’s Subang facility less than six months after the plant was officially inaugurated in December 2025. The seven-seat electric multi-purpose vehicle joins the VinFast VF 3, VinFast VF 5, VinFast VF 6 and VinFast VF 7 among the models currently being produced at the site. VinFast said the Subang plant covers 171 hectares and is expected to receive more than $1 billion in…

Hanoi has partnered with LG Energy Solution and Honda to develop a large-scale battery-swapping network for electric motorcycles in the Vietnamese capital. The project is scheduled to begin with a pilot phase in the third quarter of 2026, involving around 50 battery-swapping stations and approximately 500 electric motorcycles in central Hanoi. The initial deployment will focus on areas around Hoan Kiem ward, where Hanoi authorities plan to introduce low-emission regulations as part of broader urban emissions reduction efforts. Following an evaluation period, the partners plan to expand the network beginning in the third quarter of 2027, targeting approximately 1,000 battery-swapping…

BYD has introduced its Dual Mode (DM) hybrid technology in Indonesia, marking the company’s expansion beyond battery-electric vehicles in Southeast Asia’s largest automotive market. The company unveiled the technology during an event held in Jakarta on May 18, according to a statement released on Thursday. BYD said the move reflects its strategy of offering both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to address differing market conditions and consumer needs globally, including in Indonesia. The first model equipped with the company’s DM technology in Indonesia is the BYD M6 DM, a multi-purpose vehicle that is not currently sold in China.…

VinFast has signed an agreement to supply 1,500 electric vehicles to Vietnamese taxi operator Taxi Huong Giang, as the transport company accelerates plans to fully electrify its fleet. The agreement was signed on May 11 and will support Taxi Huong Giang’s transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles. The company already operates more than 500 electric vehicles and said the latest purchase will increase its fleet of zero-emission vehicles to more than 2,000 units. Taxi Huong Giang has been operating VinFast EVs in the former Bac Giang province since 2024 and now plans to expand electric taxi operations across Bac…

Vietnamese electric mobility company Green SM said it plans to deploy up to 18,497 electric vehicles from VinFast across the Philippines through partnerships with local transport operators and cooperatives. The initiative, announced through agreements with 75 transport companies and cooperatives, could become the largest bulk order for VinFast electric vehicles in the Philippine market. Green SM said the local partners operate in Metro Manila as well as several cities and provinces including Bacolod, Baguio, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Cavite, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Ozamiz and Pampanga. The company said demand for cleaner transportation and mobility services has been increasing across these…

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has acquired a controlling stake in an automotive manufacturing entity under Indonesia’s Erajaya Group, as the company accelerates efforts to expand localized production in Southeast Asia’s largest automotive market. According to a filing submitted to the Indonesia Stock Exchange on Monday, PT Sinar Eka Selaras Tbk, also known as Erajaya Active Lifestyle (ERAL), transferred a 90.1% stake in PT Era Industri Otomotif (EIDO) to Xpeng. The transaction, which became effective on May 13, involved 154,072 shares. Following the deal, Xpeng International Holding (Hong Kong) Limited now holds a 90.1% controlling stake in EIDO, while ERAL…

Great Wall Motor has started production of the Ora 5 compact SUV in Thailand, marking the first overseas manufacturing operation for the Ora brand’s new model lineup. The first units were produced at the company’s plant in Pluak Daeng District in Rayong Province, Thailand, where the automaker manufactures internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric vehicles on a shared production line. GWM developed the Ora 5 in internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid and fully electric versions, although only the electrified variants will be available in Thailand. The company said the Ora 5 EV is expected to start at 649,000 baht ($17,000) under…

Malaysia has announced new measures aimed at reducing reliance on fully imported electric vehicles as the government shifts its focus toward promoting localisation and domestic manufacturing. The country’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said new import conditions for completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles will take effect from July 1, 2026. See also: Wuling BingoEV Enters Local Production In Malaysia Under SGMW Integration Strategy Under the revised policy, franchise approved permit holders will only be allowed to import fully assembled electric vehicles with a minimum Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of 200,000 ringgit ($47,000) and a powertrain output of…