Categories: CarsNews

Research house predicts that Malaysia’s first hybrid car won’t be cheap

Malaysia’s 3rd national car isn’t arriving just yet, with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) announcing earlier that Malaysians will see the first model from the 3rd national car project by March 2021. But not much else is known about Malaysia’s upcoming automotive offering, other than the fact that Cyberjaya-based Malaysian company, DreamEdge, is anchoring the project.

Initially slated to be a C-segment sedan, DreamEdge CEO has since said that the car will be a plus-sized B-segment sedan instead. But this may not be true after all, if reports are to be believed. Instead, The Edge Markets reports that AmInvestment Bank Research has predicted that the first offering from the 3rd national car project will be a C-segment, hybrid-powered sedan.

The prototype could be launched as early as March next year, with a full release slated for March of 2021.

“We strongly believe that at the current local technological level, the NNCP will not be a full-electric vehicle. Instead, it will likely be a hybrid vehicle based on an internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system.”

Do we need a 3rd national car?

It goes without saying that national cars are—rightfully or not—much maligned in Malaysia as it is. Complaints over perceived manufacturing quality are arguable, while a general lack of understanding of the taxation system (local, CKD, CBU) has led to a mediocre (at best) reaction by some towards a 3rd national car.

And with Proton recently striking up a partnership with Geely, and the rebadged Boyue (Proton X70) launched in Malaysia to good reviews, the questions remain if a 3rd national car would cannibalise local efforts from Proton and Perodua.

However, the research house says that it does not expect the upcoming project to compete in the same market as the aforementioned duo. The NNCP will, in fact, benefit the local E&E and semi-conductor industries, according to them.

“As it is likely be a C-segment vehicle, we think that it may not be priced for the mass market but it will be targeting a niche consumer market instead.”

Backing this up, they are continueing to maintain “Buy” recommendations on both MBM Resources Bhd (FV: RM5.54) and DRB-Hicom Bhd (FV: RM3.18)—MBM Resources has a 20% share in Perodua, while DRB-Hicom holds 50.1% in Proton.

What do you think about a 3rd national car in Malaysia? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.

[ SOURCE , VIA ]

Related reading

Recent Posts

What is it like washing your clothes in a RM12,999 washing machine? | Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™

This post is brought to you by Samsung. This is the Samsung Bespoke AI Laundry…

8 hours ago

Dongfeng Box Malaysia: 94hp compact EV with up to 310km of range, priced from RM101k

Dongfeng Box is now officially available in Malaysia. Launched in partnership with Central Auto Distributors…

11 hours ago

Nissan Kicks e-Power now open for booking in Malaysia, priced below RM130,000

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has announced that the Nissan Kicks e-Power is now open…

15 hours ago

TikTok, Content Forum and UiTM empowers students with Digital Literacy to promote a safer digital space

TikTok in partnership with Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) have recently organised…

17 hours ago

Tesla owners in Malaysia can finally use the Autopark feature

Tesla owners in Malaysia have reported that their vehicles can now perform the Autopark feature.…

17 hours ago

Asus ROG Phone 9 series launching in Malaysia on 10th December 2024

After unveiling its latest smartphones, the Asus ROG Phone 9 series, to the world, Asus…

18 hours ago

This website uses cookies.