Hyundai Motor is pushing deeper into Southeast Asia with a new manufacturing investment in Malaysia, marking its latest effort to strengthen its foothold in the region’s growing automotive market.
The automaker will partner with local manufacturer Inokom Corp. to build vehicles at a facility that will initially produce the Staria minivan starting in mid-2025. The 600 billion won ($479 million) investment over five years signals Hyundai’s commitment to expanding its presence beyond its traditional strongholds.
The Malaysian plant will begin with an annual capacity of 20,000 units, focusing first on hybrid and conventional vehicles before transitioning to electric models. The facility will also produce mid- and large-sized SUVs, including vehicles from Hyundai’s luxury Genesis brand.
The move comes as global automakers race to secure production bases in Southeast Asia, where demand for personal vehicles continues to grow. The company plans to sell 70% of the output locally while exporting the remainder to neighboring markets.
To support Malaysia’s green initiatives, Hyundai said it will invest in charging infrastructure and battery production facilities, though specific details and timelines weren’t disclosed.
