The Government is talking to several multinational automotive companies on the possibility of them assembling hybrid cars in Malaysia for the Asean market.
International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathirsaid the negotiations were at various stages, with some companies seriously looking at Malaysia.
“Of course, there’s an issue whether the local market is big enough for them to come here but we are looking from an Asean point of view.
“Besides carmakers, we are also attracting international companies that produce car components, including hybrid components, to come here,” he said after officiating the showcase of BMW Vision EfficientDynamic concept car.
In terms of incentives, Mukhriz said the Government had extended the excise duty exemptions on hybrids and electric vehicles to December 2013.
On competition with Proton, which is also serious in developing its own electric and hybrid cars, he said the green technology in the automotive industry was not matured yet.
“Anyone with the right technology can make inroads into the market.
“Proton has its own versions where it uses quite an interesting approach (in developing these types of cars) compared with others and I am quite confident it will make a breakthrough in this area,” he said.
Mukhriz was pleased to see companies like BMW taking proactive steps to provide clarity around new innovations in Malaysia, particularly with its efforts in advanced diesel, active hybrid and electric vehicles.
“The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is a true testament to the possibilities driven by technology,” he said.
BMW Group Malaysia managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said BMW had high hopes to break another record sales this year, banking on the expected launch of the new BMW 3 series model in March.
