Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) has marked a significant milestone by establishing Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), as the South Korean marque’s direct entry into the country.
This marks an evolution from a distributor-led model under Sime Motors to a principal-led operation.
The newly-formed Hyundai Motor Malaysia will see the company taking control of everything, from assuming full responsibility for brand, marketing, sales, and customer experience, with a dedicated local team empowered to make faster, market-relevant decisions and deliver a more connected, customer-first approach.
Hyundai Motor Malaysia will be introducing three new models across the SUV and MPV segments, which will be locally-assembled (CKD) at the Inokom facility in Kulim, Kedah. Said plant will also be producing up to seven models within five years, which will include traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) models and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), spread across SUVs and MPVs.
Additionally, HMY will be exporting roughly 30% of the locally-assembled vehicles to neighbouring markets.
Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor Malaysia, said, “Malaysia is a market full of untapped potential — it boasts the highest passenger vehicle demand in ASEAN at 35%, with a steady GDP growth of 4.3% signalling strong consumer confidence and rising spending power.”
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Sime Motors will remain as a partner in HMY’s journey in Malaysia, as part of HMY’s dealer network. “We are proud to have played a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth in Malaysia. As Hyundai embarks on its next phase, we remain committed to supporting its sales and aftersales operations — ensuring continuity, confidence, and a seamless service experience for existing and future Hyundai customers,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Sime Motors, Southeast Asia, reaffirming the company’s commitment to a smooth transition.
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“Hyundai has always stood for progress — not just in mobility, but in how we connect with people, communities, and the future. Our founder’s belief in betterment and sustainable action continues to inspire us as we grow our global footprint. With the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia, we are bringing the strength and agility of a global brand closer to home. This isn’t just a new chapter — it’s a long-term commitment to Malaysia as a strategic hub in ASEAN. Backed by innovation, vertical integration, and purpose-driven growth, we look forward to building with our partners, serving our customers, and contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s economy,” said Eric Lee, President, Hyundai Motor Malaysia.