Tan Chong Group to assemble TQ WULING Bingo EV

Although the Tan Chong Motor Group started off with Nissan as its very first auto brand (and that was way back in 1957) and has been associated with the Japanese brand till today, the company has also diversified its portfolio over the years.

Besides Renault, it has also taken on brands from China such as JMC, Foton and King Long even before the current ‘Chinese wave’. These, however, have been commercial vehicle brands so they have been less apparent to the public.

In recent times, through an affiliated company, Tan Chong Group has also taken on passenger car brands from China such as GAC Motor and GAC AION. Today, it adds another Chinese brand – TQ WULING – through a strategic alliance with SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Co Ltd (SGM Wuling).

SAIC GM Wuling Automobile is a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors, and Guangxi Auto which was established in 2002. It is a leading Chinese automotive company known for producing electrified vehicles as well as internal combustion engine models, along with commercial vehicles.

“The ASEAN region is a key market for SGM Wuling’s overall strategic plan with key focus on Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia,” said Tang Wensheng, President of PT SGMW Motor Indonesia which is already selling the Bingo and other Wuling products in that market.

“SGM Wuling has always been dedicated to building high-quality practical and affordable vehicles. The partnership allows us to bring our EV technology to Malaysia with confidence. With our expertise in EVs, combined with Tan Chong Group’s strong market presence and manufacturing strength, we are excited to support Malaysia’s green mobility transition and bring sustainable driving solutions to local consumers,” he said.

As with the GAC Motors brand, the partnership with SAIC GM Wuling will see local assembly (SKD) of selected models at the Tan Chong Group’s assembly plant in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. TQ WULING’s first model will be the Bingo, a fully electric vehicle which will be launched during the fourth quarter of 2025 with a price of less than RM100,000.

The partnership will draw on Tan Chong Group’s long experience in vehicle manufacturing which goes back to the 1970s and while the vehicles assembled will be primarily for the Malaysian market, export potential is also being explored. Malaysian-sourced components with enhanced supply chain efficiency will help in reducing production costs. Through TQ WULING, Tan Chong Motor Group will oversee nationwide distribution and establish a robust aftersales network.

“TQ WULING reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability in delivering quality mobility solutions accessible to all Malaysians. Our collaboration with SGM Wuling marks a significant step in expanding TQ WULING’s local footprint and contributing to the local economy by producing the vehicles locally here in Malaysia. Our goal is to position the TQ WULING brand as a preferred brand for value-driven and urban drivers,” said Daniel Ho, Group CEO of Tan Chong Motor Group.

TQ WULING hasn’t announced its retail network yet but if you want to register your interest for the updates, click here.