Perodua supplier Suria teams up with China’s CEPP – RM 5 million for pedal R&D and manufacturing

Malaysian automotive component manufacturer Suria Component Manufacturing has signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Suzhou CEPP Electronics to develop and manufacture next-generation accelerator and brake pedal systems locally.

The proposed joint venture will be majority-owned by Suria, with an initial investment of RM 5 million supporting a phased programme covering research, testing and manufacturing.

Signed in Cyberjaya on 30 October 2026, the agreement was witnessed by Perodua president and CEO Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Local R&D and testing to begin in early 2027

The first phase will establish Malaysian research, development and testing capabilities, supported by CEPP’s technical expertise.

Planned facilities will cover component design, material characterisation, structural strength and fatigue testing, alongside functional, environmental and durability assessments for automotive pedal assemblies.

The first batch of testing equipment is already being shipped and is expected to become operational in early Q1 2027. The facilities will allow Malaysian engineers to participate directly in component development and validation.

Manufacturing facilities targeted for end-Q1 2027

The second phase will introduce new manufacturing facilities for accelerator and brake pedal assemblies, with completion targeted for the end of Q1 2027.

These will include advanced plastic injection moulding machines and dedicated production and assembly lines for both mechanical and electronic pedal systems.

Electronic accelerator pedals combine precision mechanical components with sensors and interfaces that communicate with the vehicle’s control systems. Production will therefore require specialised assembly, calibration and end-of-line testing capabilities.

Electronic throttle and brake-by-wire development

The partnership will also lay the groundwork for electronic throttle control and smart brake-by-wire systems.

Suria managing director Tn Hj Musa Zahidin Ahmad Zaidee said the company’s development focus will include contactless Hall-effect position sensors and mechanisms that simulate pedal feedback.

A third phase will progressively develop more advanced electronic pedal technologies, including systems intended for electromechanical braking (EMB) applications.

EMB uses electronic controls and electrically operated actuators to generate braking force. The development programme will build the sensor, pedal interface and functional safety capabilities needed to support these applications.

Suria already supplies pedal for Perodua QV-E

Established in 2000, Suria specialises in automotive pedal assemblies and precision component manufacturing. It is an existing Perodua supplier, including components for the national carmaker’s first battery-electric vehicle, the QV-E.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen Suria’s ability to support Perodua’s current and future vehicle programmes.

CEPP brings experience in lightweight pedal assemblies, electronic accelerator pedals and sensor technologies, operating within Tier 1 and Tier 2 supply chains serving major Chinese vehicle manufacturers.

CEPP president Wang Muhao said the partnership provides an opportunity to transfer technology and expertise as Malaysia adopts more advanced automotive systems, including those used in EVs.

Building Malaysian engineering capabilities

Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) chairman Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh said the industry’s future depends on developing the engineering expertise behind components, alongside manufacturing them.

Beyond domestic vehicle programmes, the proposed joint venture aims to create opportunities for Malaysian engineers, expand local component testing capabilities and support future participation in regional and international automotive supply chains.