CADB Introduces first batch of authorised dealers for Dongfeng Box EV in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR:  Central Auto Distributors Bhd (CADB), a subsidiary of the Persatuan Pengimpot dan Peniaga Kenderaan Melayu Malaysia (PEKEMA), has announced a major advancement in Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) market.

The company has officially appointed 23 authorized dealers for the highly anticipated Dongfeng Box EV, which is scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

With Malaysia pushing towards a more environmentally friendly future, the Dongfeng Box emerges as a standout option in the EV segment. It offers an impressive 430 km range on a single charge.

This fully electric light passenger vehicle comes packed with advanced safety features such as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) equipped with lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and collision warnings. An automatic parking system is also included, making it a strong contender for urban transportation needs.

New CADB Experience Centres in Cyberjaya and Kota Damansara

Alongside the appointment of these dealers, CADB is also inaugurating its first CADB Experience Centre at Wisma Yayasan PEKEMA in Cyberjaya, in addition to its flagship store in Kota Damansara. These centres aim to give customers and stakeholders a firsthand experience with the Dongfeng Box.

Moreover, they will serve as key venues for educational initiatives, training, and customer engagement, underscoring CADB's dedication to elevating the electric vehicle market in Malaysia.

Rigorous Road Testing for Malaysian Roads

In preparation for its market debut, three units of the Dongfeng Box recently concluded an extensive local Research & Development (R&D) phase.

This phase involved a specialized team of engineers from Dongfeng Motor conducting comprehensive road tests across various terrains, driving conditions, and environmental factors in Peninsular Malaysia. Over 45,000 kilometers were covered between July and September 2024 to ensure the vehicle's readiness for local roads.

The rigorous tests included the Adaptive Durability Test (DAT), Electric Road Test (ERT), and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Test. These efforts not only validated the Dongfeng Box's durability but also resulted in improvements to its navigation, safety features, and Digital Head Unit (DHU), aligning it with the specific preferences of Malaysian drivers.

This final R&D phase has primed the Dongfeng Box to meet the demands of daily commutes while offering efficiency, safety, and comfort.

“The appointment of these 23 first batch dealers nationwide signifies our unwavering commitment to electrify Malaysia's automotive industry. This comprehensive R&D process showcases our dedication to offering a vehicle that is not only environmentally friendly but also meets the highest standards of quality and safety for our customers,” expressed Datuk Hj Mohamed Nazari Bin Noordin, President of PEKEMA.

Official Dealer Network Spanning the Nation

The newly appointed 23 dealers will form the backbone of CADB’s nationwide distribution and service network. They will provide sales and after-sales services across five main regions: Central, Northern, Southern, East Coast, Sarawak, and Sabah.

List of First Batch Dealers:

Central Region:

- Prominent dealers include HAMAWANGSA KREDIT SDN BHD, ADK GLOBAL SDN BHD, and ZIE GARAGE MOTORS SDN BHD, among others, spanning areas like TTDI, Sepang, Subang Jaya, and Ampang.

Northern Region:

- Key dealers include LBI MOTOR SDN BHD in Alor Setar, DK AUTO CAR (M) SDN BHD in Seberang Jaya, and JENDELA UNGGUL SDN BHD in Ipoh.

Southern Region:

- FF GALAXY SDN BHD and HAMAWANGSA KREDIT SDN BHD will cover Johor Jaya and Batu Pahat.

East Coast:

- LBI MOTOR SDN BHD and NOBLE COUNTRY SDN BHD will serve Kota Bharu and Kuantan.

Sarawak & Sabah:

- BEST AUTO NIAGA SDN BHD will represent Kuching, while PERNIAGAAN SHIRBA SDN BHD & FALIDA MOTORS will cover Kota Kinabalu.

Grand Total: 23 Dealers

Dato' SM Zulkifli Bin SM Amin, Operations Director of CADB, remarked, "The successful completion of our R&D phase and the appointment of these dealers marks a significant leap forward in ensuring Malaysians have access to high-quality, reliable electric vehicles. Our collaboration with Dongfeng Motor has enabled us to fine-tune the Dongfeng Box to fit Malaysia’s unique driving conditions, and we are confident it will revolutionize the EV sector.”

This strategic dealer network and CADB's dedicated preparation highlight the company's efforts to bring a refined and well-suited electric vehicle to Malaysian roads. The Dongfeng Box is expected to be a key player in the country's shift towards sustainable transportation.

Also Read:  Dongfeng Box EV previewed in Malaysia - First global RHD model, October launch, 2 variants, Up to 430km, 95PS/160Nm