The government will review CBU electric vehicle imports to ensure quality and protect the local automotive ecosystem, says minister Johari Abdul Ghani.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will review the importation of completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles to ensure only quality models enter the local market.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this is crucial to protect the country’s automotive ecosystem.

“Therefore, we want to ensure that EVs brought into the country are quality EVs. It is not about whether the price is low or not, but that we need to protect our ecosystem,” he said after launching the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV.

He emphasised that the entry of imported EVs must add value as local industry players are capable of meeting the low-cost EV segment.

The focus on quality is also important to prevent an oversupply of vehicles that could affect the growing local EV segment.

On the auto sector’s direction, Johari said the government wants to see more manufacturers undertake local assembly (CKD) and increase local production of automotive components.

He said the industry’s ability to compete globally requires production of scale and exports to support long-term ecosystem development.

“We produce about 800,000 vehicles currently. It will be difficult to build that ecosystem if we do not exceed one million units or more,” he said.

Addressing industry concerns on hybrid vehicles, Johari said the government is open to views and proposals from industry players.

“We are ready to listen. We are prepared to hear and evaluate anyone who brings in this technology, including hybrids, so that we can all build this ecosystem together,” he said.

 The Sun Malaysia