5 days ago
BYD strengthens EV supply chain with arrival of Zhengzhou vessel in Malaysia
BYD Zhengzhou Vessel
THE expansion of Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) sector received a major boost with the arrival of BYD Zhengzhou, a purpose-built roll-on/roll-off (Roro) carrier vessel, at North Port, Port Klang. The vessel, which is part of BYD's growing maritime fleet, delivered a new batch of fully-built EVs for Malaysian consumers, further solidifying BYD's strategic commitment to the local market.
The BYD Zhengzhou, boasting a 7,000-unit vehicle capacity, is the seventh ship in BYD's dedicated fleet and marks the brand's first direct maritime delivery to Southeast Asia. In addition to Malaysia, the vessel is also scheduled to distribute EV units to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore before making its final stop in Thailand and returning to China.
The deployment of the Zhengzhou is a significant demonstration of BYD's investment in securing its global logistics infrastructure. By operating its own fleet, the company reduces dependence on third-party shipping providers, enabling tighter control over delivery timelines and supply chain coordination, an increasingly critical factor as China continues to dominate global EV exports.
Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, welcomed the arrival as a major milestone. Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Sime Motors, Southeast Asia, stated that the enhanced delivery framework made possible by BYD's carrier fleet ensures faster fulfilment and improved customer satisfaction in Malaysia. He emphasised that this strategic development reflects not only confidence in the Malaysian market but also a shared ambition to transform the country into a pivotal EV hub in the region.
The partnership between BYD Malaysia and Sime Motors is designed to address surging demand by laying down a reliable foundation for expansion. Gan affirmed that the groundwork is being laid for increased volumes, underpinned by a robust ecosystem of retail networks, after-sales support, and consumer education, all of which are aimed at supporting the nation's transition to sustainable mobility.
Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd, explained that the BYD Zhengzhou serves as a key asset in strengthening the company's logistical capabilities across Asia Pacific. He noted that by investing in its own specialised fleet, BYD is able to meet regional demand with greater efficiency, reliability, and scalability. The company's adoption of the RORO shipping method, where vehicles are driven directly on and off the ship, brings notable advantages in time and cost savings compared to traditional container shipping.
As the competition in EV exports intensifies, BYD's control over its transport fleet provides a strategic edge. With growing interest in electric vehicles across Southeast Asia, Zhao underscored that Malaysia is set to play a central role in BYD's broader regional ambitions.
The latest shipment further deepens BYD's presence in the country, which is currently supported by over 35 retail outlets nationwide. The company and Sime Motors have jointly set a target of reaching 60 outlets by the end of 2026, signalling their long-term commitment to advancing electric mobility in Malaysia.
With the arrival of BYD Zhengzhou, the collaboration between BYD and Sime Motors enters a new phase, one defined by logistical strength, rapid deployment capabilities, and an unrelenting focus on delivering smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable vehicles to Malaysian roads.
