Kuala lumpur: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is planning to manufacture its Ativa hybrid model domestically, as announced by the company's president and chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad. The company is currently in the final stages of discussions, which include determining production timelines and pricing strategies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zainal Abidin assured that once all elements are finalized, a formal announcement will be made. He emphasized that the hybrid version of the Ativa model will indeed be produced locally. This announcement was made during a press conference held in conjunction with a factory tour by Japan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Noriyuki Shikata.

The Perodua Ativa, a compact five-seater B-segment SUV, was first introduced in March 2021. It is notable for being Perodua's first model to feature a turbocharged engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). Built on the Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize platforms, the vehicle is equipped with a 1.0-litre turbo engine and offers advanced safety features.

For the Ativa hybrid project, Perodua has secured approximately 1.5 billion yen (over RM37 million) from the Global South Fund. This funding is intended to bolster Japanese hybrid technology within Malaysia. Zainal Abidin also discussed potential collaboration with Daihatsu on electric vehicle development, noting that a primary focus is to enhance Malaysia's infrastructure and charging station availability, which remains a challenge due to the limited number of stations nationwide.

Daihatsu, which owns a 20 percent stake in Perodua, is a key partner in these developmental initiatives.