Bermaz Auto terminates Changan's Deepal distribution plans; S05, S07 EVs might make another way down to Malaysia

In a Bursa filing, Bermaz Auto (BAuto) has formally announced that it has terminated its plans to distribute Changan Deepal cars in Malaysia. 

The decision ends a project that had been in development for around 19 months but never progressed to commercial operations.

Bermaz Auto had established Bermaz Changan Sdn Bhd in November 2024 specifically to distribute Deepal vehicles, spare parts and after-sales services in Malaysia. The company owns an 85% stake in the subsidiary.

According to Bermaz Auto’s Bursa Malaysia filing, the two parties had been discussing the models to be introduced and their proposed retail prices.

They ultimately agreed not to proceed, citing the intense price competition in Malaysia’s EV market.

However, the Chinese carmaker is still likely to enter Malaysia via its Changan principal; a bit like how Hyundai or Kia does their business here.