Locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz battery EV coming next year

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is all set to take a big leap with the automaker all set to introduce a locally-assembled (CKD) battery electric car next year.

During the EQE launch event, Sagree Sardien, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia on the upcoming CKD unit subject said, “We are certainly working on localizing the EQ models. In 2023, we will announce our first EQ model that will be localized, so I ask you to stay tuned for that.”

Currently, the German automaker manufactures a locally-assembled electric model, the S580e plug-in hybrid model. Where? At its Pekan facility in Pahang.

Which Mercedes EQ model will be assembled locally here in Malaysia? No information has been shared by the automaker yet, however, in Thailand, the EQS will be assembled in-house by the end of this year. Since we are already in December, there has been a substantial delay to start this year, however, the possibility of EQS CKD at the Samut Prakan facility remains intact.

On a similar note, India recently became the first country outside Germany to locally assemble the EQS.

In Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz EV lineup includes five models, one of which will be soon assembled locally. Part of the automaker’s electric range is - the EQA 250 AMG Line, EQB 350, EQC 400, EQE 350+, and EQS 450+.

Mercedes-Benz EVs currently enjoy import tax, excise, and road tax exemptions until 31st Dec 2023, and the CKD will enjoy the same benefit but unit 31st Dec 2025.

Which Mercedes EV do you think will be locally assembled? Let us know in the comments.

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