China’s BYD Co will sell its electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia in a RM500 million tie-up with Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd. Sime Darby Motors will be BYD’s exclusive distributor in Malaysia, with the first showroom to open later this month at TREC , the companies said in a statement on Thursday. They plan to have 20 dealerships by next year, and 40 by 2024, they added.
BYD will bring its flagship ATTO 3 to Malaysian market, with the standard model priced at RM148,800, and the extended-range version at RM167,800. The launch of BYD in Malaysia adds yet another country to BYD’s fast- growing list of export destinations.
Speaking at the launch event, Sime Darby Motors Managing Director, Andrew Basham 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.”
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.
BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager, Liu Xueliang added, “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 reducing ambitions.”
During the launch event several announcements were made, including the introduction of the following cars in 2023 – the names of its upcoming cars – the Seal and the Dolphin EV. The Seal is expected to be called ATTO 4 in certain markets, including Malaysia.
The BYD ATTO 3 is equipped with the all-new BYD e-Platform 3.0 designed exclusively for pure electric vehicles.
Giving full play to the advantages of intelligence, efficiency, safety and aesthetics, e-Platform 3.0 aims to promote NEVs’ performance in safety and low-temperature driving range as well as improve intelligent driving experiences, to build more efficient and safer new intelligent EVs.
Additionally, BYD has introduced exceptional vertical integration capabilities within the supply chain. BYD integrates 8 key components incorporating VCU, BMS, MCU, PDU, DC-DC controller, on-board charger, drive motor and transmission, producing the world’s first mass-produced 8-in-1 electric powertrain system, greatly optimising space utilisation and energy efficiency.
| Power and performance | |
| Power (hp) | 201 |
| Battery (kWh) | 60.48 kWh |
| Top speed (km/h / mph) | 160 kmh / 100 mph |
| 0-100km/h (secs) | 7.3 secs |
| Max range WLTP (km / miles) | 420km / 261miles |
| Dimensions (mm) | |
| Length | 4,455 |
| Width | 1,875 |
| Height | 1,615 |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 |
| Luggage capacity (Litres) | 440 |
