KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia is currently engaging with the government and local partners on its plan to locally assemble its electric vehicle (EV) units, aligning with the tax exemption for EV owners until the end of 2025. BMW Group senior vice-president of sales in the Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, Jean-Philippe Parain, however, emphasised that the plan requires long-term planning for its transition.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Parain shared insights from his experience with the company, which has a presence across many countries. He noted that once the government reduces the subsidy, the choice of electromobility tends to diminish. “For example, in (South) Korea, as soon as the subsidy was reduced, the number of people choosing EVs also declined, and the situation can also be seen in Europe,” he told a press conference here today during the BMW Group Malaysia Brand Strategy Media Roundtable.

Meanwhile, managing director Benjamin Nagel said the company is currentl
y in partnership with government entities and local partners to discuss EV battery recycling. As the company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, Nagel highlighted the importance of addressing this issue collaboratively.

On another note, BMW Group Malaysia announced in a statement today that the company has sold over 8,700 vehicles in the third quarter of this year. It noted that the number includes more than 1,600 fully electric models, making up over 19 per cent of the total deliveries.

The company also reported that globally, the BMW Group has experienced remarkable growth in its electric vehicle segment despite a challenging market environment. ‘Between January and September 2024, the company saw a 19.1% increase in sales of fully electric vehicles (BEVs), with over 300,000 units delivered to customers worldwide,’ it added.