Quick look
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BAIC is among the 20 Chinese brands that have entered the Malaysian market since late 2022 and had actually previewed two models in May 2024.
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After almost 2 years, there has been silence but local assembly has started so we may finally see the brand getting into gear during this quarter.
Of the 20 Chinese brands that began entering the Malaysian market since late 2022, BAIC seems to be the only one that has still not started any meaningful business activities. The company had a preview of two models – the X55 (a C-segment crossover SUV) and the BJ40 Plus (a rugged, boxy off-roader inspired by the Jeep) – in May 2024. The tentative prices were to be RM120,000 and RM180,000 and the models would be assembled locally.
The official distributor was Edaran Otomotif Elektrik (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Propadu Holdings Berhad. Also in the picture was a company known as Jiang Qiang Sdn Bhd (JINGQIAN), said to be responsible for network development with an aim of having 10 outlets initially.
As for the local assembly part, in April 2024, BAIC had signed a 10-year Vehicle Assembly Agreement with EPMB, which had spent over RM100 million to construct an assembly plant in the HICOM Pegoh Industrial Park, Melaka (where Honda Malaysia also has its plant). The plant, which will have a capacity of up to 30,000 vehicles annually, is already assembling GWM models (HAVAL H6 Hybrid and WEY G9 PHEV), and will be adding other brands soon.
The end of 2024 came and went and throughout 2025, while other Chinese brands were launching one model after another, nothing was heard from BAIC. It seemed that orders were still being accepted and on its website, there were two outlets shown, both in Selangor (Petaling Jaya and Glenmarie).
It was only in December 2025, in an announcement by EPMB of Phase 2 of its manufacturing operations commencing, that there was mention of BAIC. so they were still in town. Pilot production for the X55 and BJ40 Plus had stated in November, with full production to start in January 2026.
EPMB also mentioned MG as another brand which it would assemble for, and XPENG confirmed that its models would be assembled at EPMB as well.
We’re now in February 2026 and so far, nothing has been heard from BAIC Malaysia. EPMB may have moved to mass production of the two models, but it would probably leave that announcement to BAIC to make. There’s no news yet and checks on their website and Facebook page still show no change in dealer numbers.
So will BAIC finally start up its business in 2026? Stay tuned and we’ll let you know as soon as we get news.
