Go Auto to launch electric buses by end-2017

KUALA LUMPUR: Go Auto, the official distributor for Haval vehicles in Malaysia, will launch electric vehicles (EV) and its components by end-2017, in line with efforts to transform Malaysia into a regional manufacturing hub.

Executive director Datuk SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamil said the EV prototypes were near completion.

“As a start, Go Auto has been given the trust to supply electric buses, worth RM30 million, to the Melaka state government.

"The first batch of the vehicles is expected to be handed over at end-2017,” he said in a statement.

SM Azli said Go Auto was also engaged in final talks on several new projects involving the supply of electric buses.

Consistent with the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2014, Malaysia has set a total industry volume (TIV) of one million new units a year by 2020, including 10% for EV.

“Go Auto's involvement in developing EV and its high technology components is also part of NAP 2014.

“This indirectly puts Go Auto among the leading companies that are committed to developing the EV ecosystem,” he said.

SM Azli  said Go Auto had decided to collaborate with companies like Microvast, a battery manufacturer for EV vehicles from the United States, and a bus manufacturer, Higer, to ensure the smooth production of the components. - Bernama