Wuling Enters Malaysia: The Story Behind TQ Wuling and Tan Chong's EV Partnership
A new electric car brand is coming to Malaysian roads, and it's all thanks to a fresh partnership between a well-known local company and a giant from China. In May 2025, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad announced they were teaming up with SAIC-GM-Wuling (often called SGM Wuling) to bring the TQ Wuling brand here. The first car? The cute and affordable Bingo EV, set to launch by the end of the year with a price tag under RM100,000.
Let's start with the Chinese side. Wuling has a long history in making practical, budget-friendly vehicles. The brand traces back to the 1980s in China, but things really took off in 2002 when SAIC Motor, General Motors, and Liuzhou Wuling Motors formed a joint venture called SAIC-GM-Wuling. This mix brought together Chinese know-how, American engineering from GM, and a focus on cheap, reliable cars like minivans and small trucks. Over the years, they've sold millions of vehicles in China, becoming famous for models that everyday people can afford. Recently, they've jumped big into electric vehicles, selling over two million EVs worldwide. They're experts at making compact, efficient cars that don't cost a fortune to buy or run.
Now, on the Malaysian side, Tan Chong Motor is no stranger to the car business. They've been around for decades, best known for assembling and selling Nissan cars here. Their factory in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, has been running for over 70 years and has built more than a million vehicles. It's one of the country's most trusted plants. Tan Chong also handles distribution and after-sales service across Malaysia, with a strong network of dealers.
So why team up? Both sides saw a perfect match. SGM Wuling wanted to expand into Southeast Asia—they're already big in Indonesia and Thailand—and Malaysia is a great next step. Tan Chong brings local expertise: they can assemble the cars right here (using CKD, or completely knocked down kits), which helps keep prices low thanks to government incentives for local production. Plus, Tan Chong knows the Malaysian market inside out—what drivers need, like cars that handle city traffic, hot weather, and family use.
The partnership was officially signed in May 2025, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke there to witness it. They call the brand "TQ Wuling" here—"TQ" stands for Trust and Quality, showing Tan Chong's promise to deliver reliable cars. The Bingo EV will be built in Segambut, using some local parts to support Malaysian suppliers and jobs.
What does this mean for EV adoption in Malaysia? A lot! Electric cars are still new and often expensive for many people. But with the Bingo coming in under RM100,000, it could make switching to electric much easier. It's a small, stylish hatchback perfect for city driving, with good range and low running costs—no more petrol bills. The government wants more EVs on the road to cut pollution and meet green goals, and deals like this help by making them affordable.
Bookings for the Bingo opened in November 2025, with two variants: Pro and Max, offering different battery sizes for longer range. Previews and tours have been happening all year, building excitement. More models are planned after the Bingo, so TQ Wuling could grow quickly.This partnership blends global EV tech with local strength, aiming to give Malaysians better, cheaper options for going electric. If you're thinking about your first EV, keep an eye on TQ Wuling—it might just change how we drive in Malaysia.
Let's start with the Chinese side. Wuling has a long history in making practical, budget-friendly vehicles. The brand traces back to the 1980s in China, but things really took off in 2002 when SAIC Motor, General Motors, and Liuzhou Wuling Motors formed a joint venture called SAIC-GM-Wuling. This mix brought together Chinese know-how, American engineering from GM, and a focus on cheap, reliable cars like minivans and small trucks. Over the years, they've sold millions of vehicles in China, becoming famous for models that everyday people can afford. Recently, they've jumped big into electric vehicles, selling over two million EVs worldwide. They're experts at making compact, efficient cars that don't cost a fortune to buy or run.
Now, on the Malaysian side, Tan Chong Motor is no stranger to the car business. They've been around for decades, best known for assembling and selling Nissan cars here. Their factory in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, has been running for over 70 years and has built more than a million vehicles. It's one of the country's most trusted plants. Tan Chong also handles distribution and after-sales service across Malaysia, with a strong network of dealers.
So why team up? Both sides saw a perfect match. SGM Wuling wanted to expand into Southeast Asia—they're already big in Indonesia and Thailand—and Malaysia is a great next step. Tan Chong brings local expertise: they can assemble the cars right here (using CKD, or completely knocked down kits), which helps keep prices low thanks to government incentives for local production. Plus, Tan Chong knows the Malaysian market inside out—what drivers need, like cars that handle city traffic, hot weather, and family use.
The partnership was officially signed in May 2025, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke there to witness it. They call the brand "TQ Wuling" here—"TQ" stands for Trust and Quality, showing Tan Chong's promise to deliver reliable cars. The Bingo EV will be built in Segambut, using some local parts to support Malaysian suppliers and jobs.
What does this mean for EV adoption in Malaysia? A lot! Electric cars are still new and often expensive for many people. But with the Bingo coming in under RM100,000, it could make switching to electric much easier. It's a small, stylish hatchback perfect for city driving, with good range and low running costs—no more petrol bills. The government wants more EVs on the road to cut pollution and meet green goals, and deals like this help by making them affordable.
Bookings for the Bingo opened in November 2025, with two variants: Pro and Max, offering different battery sizes for longer range. Previews and tours have been happening all year, building excitement. More models are planned after the Bingo, so TQ Wuling could grow quickly.This partnership blends global EV tech with local strength, aiming to give Malaysians better, cheaper options for going electric. If you're thinking about your first EV, keep an eye on TQ Wuling—it might just change how we drive in Malaysia.
