Tag Archives: SAIC-GM-Wuling

Tan Chong Motor Group & SGMW sign EV battery localisation partnership in Malaysia

Tan Chong Motor Group and SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) have signed a new agreement to strengthen efforts to localise EV battery production in Malaysia under the TQ brand.

The agreement was formalised at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, in line with the launch of SGMW’s Global 5 Strategy.

The partnership focuses on developing a local supply chain, beginning with EV battery localisation and CKD assembly. It also supports SGMW’s expansion of production capabilities across ASEAN.

The agreement was signed by Liu Zhijun from SGMW and Wan Wei Sun from TQ WULING.

This initiative reinforces the existing collaboration between both companies, while enhancing Malaysia’s capabilities in the new energy vehicle sector and strengthening customer confidence in the brand’s long-term commitment.

SGMW has recorded over 32 million units in global production and sales, including four million new energy vehicles.

Under the Global 5 Strategy, SGMW aims to build a comprehensive global automotive ecosystem covering manufacturing, technology, supply chains and industrial cooperation.

The partnership with Tan Chong Motor Group marks an important step in strengthening SGMW’s presence in ASEAN, while driving green automotive development and regional EV supply-chain growth.

Both companies will continue exploring opportunities to expand localisation and strengthen Malaysia’s position within SGMW’s ASEAN and global ecosystem.

This Sunshine EV is a versatile kei van from China

At first glance, this may be the latest kei van model to come from the Japanese market. However, don’t be deceived by the logo displayed, as it tells all — this is a light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by SAIC-GM-Wuling.

Focusing on practicality and affordability, the Sunshine EV undeniably draws inspiration from the Japanese kei van lineup, featuring a short front end, small wheels, sliding doors on both the left and right, and tall body dimensions.

When compared by size dimensions, the Sunshine EV is roughly bigger than Japanese kei vans, measuring 3,685 mm in length, 1,530 mm in width, 1,750 mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm.

In its five-seat configuration, the Sunshine EV can offer a cargo space of 527 liters or up to 1,117 liters when the second-row seats are folded flat.

For the cabin space, it provides very basic equipment but emphasizes practicality and versatility for various uses.

Based on the supplied images, this compact van can be transformed into various types of mobile shops, used as a camper van, or converted into a mini workshop complete with professional tools.

In terms of power, this EV features a single electric motor that produces 40 hp with a top speed of around 100 km/h.

Buyers will have the option of a 17.6 kWh battery pack or a 26.5 kWh capacity option that can be swapped through the CATL battery swapping network.

The Sunshine EV is set to be launched in the Chinese market as early as 2025, with a selling price starting at around 50,000 yuan (RM30,580).