BAIC Reaffirms Malaysia Expansion, Targets Arcfox T1 Launch By End-2026

From  Ahmad Irfan Che Mohd Ruzaidi

BEIJING, Sept 30 (Bernama) – Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd (BAIC Group) is ramping up preparations for its expansion in Malaysia, with the Arcfox T1 set to launch by the end of 2026, followed by the BJ30 in the first quarter of 2027.

Both models are planned to be locally assembled under a completely knocked-down (CKD) arrangement as the Chinese automaker advances its renewed strategy for the Malaysian market.

BAIC International deputy general manager Qi XiaoHui said the company’s previous expansion did not progress as smoothly as expected due to several factors, including Malaysia’s right-hand-drive requirements and the need for local manufacturing.

“Because Malaysia is a right-hand-drive market, it is also necessary to have local manufacturing. Previously, we had a local partner in the Malaysian market but because of several practical reasons, we did not develop the business smoothly.

“This year, we restarted our strategy for Malaysia and we are now registering our own subsidiary in Malaysia. After the registration is completed, we will increase our investment and involvement in the local market,” she told Bernama during a visit to BAIC Group here.

Qi said the establishment of BAIC’s own Malaysian subsidiary and preparations for local manufacturing are now progressing simultaneously as the group moves towards implementing its revised expansion plan.

She said the production line is almost ready and preparations are being made for final operations after the equipment was transported to the plant, which she had personally visited about two months earlier.

“The production line is almost ready, and we are now making all kinds of preparations for the final operation, including manufacturing preparations and the registration of the subsidiary.

“Once these two are completed, we will move forward with the operation, and we will continue to push forward according to the schedule,” said Qi.

She also clarified that Arcfox is being added to BAIC’s Malaysian portfolio rather than replacing its previously announced BAIC-branded products, with both brands expected to be pursued in the market.

As part of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC) programme, Bernama visited the Beijing Automotive Industry R&D Base in Shunyi District, BAIC off-road vehicle factory and BAIC Foton Headquarters to gain an overview of the group’s research, manufacturing and commercial vehicle operations.

BAIC’s 2026 group profile shows that its operations encompass vehicle and component R&D and manufacturing as well as mobility services, with its vehicle portfolio spanning both passenger and commercial vehicles.

The group is also strengthening its focus on new energy and intelligent vehicle technologies, with R&D expenditure accounting for more than 10 per cent of revenue and a planned R&D investment of 14.91 billion yuan in 2026.

BAIC has established an international operation system covering R&D, production, supply, sales and services as it continues to expand its global automotive footprint.

– BERNAMA