Central Auto Distributors Bhd (CADB) has provided a media preview session for their upcoming launch of the Dongfeng BOX with right-hand drive. Reps from CADB has confirmed that during the preview session, the EV displayed are still in pre-production phase and Dongfeng has send engineers from China to Malaysia for road testing.
The Dongfeng BOX is anticipated to launch in Q4 of this year and is expected to be offer in 2 variants, E2 and E3. E2 has mileage range of 330km on a single charge meanwhile E3 is set deliver 430km mileage range on a single charge.
PEKEMA has recently signed an MOU with the Chinese giant Dongfeng Motor via its subsidiary Dongfeng Motor Industry Import & Export Co. Ltd. (DFMIEC) in 2023 to expand into the electric vehicle (EV) business in Malaysia, the Dongfeng Box electric car targeted to be in the market by quarter four 2024. Central Auto Distributors Bhd (CADB), is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of PEKEMA, assigned to assume the role as an exclusive importer and distributor for Dongfeng passenger car in Malaysia market.
Datuk Hj Mohamed Nazari Bin Noordin, President of PEKEMA is enthusiastic about the future, “PEKEMA is committed in supporting government’s vision in accelerating a comprehensive and conducive EV eco-system in the country. This project with Dongfeng as a prominent state-owned automotive corporation is a significant milestone in charting future path of PEKEMA and stay relevant for the next generation of our members nationwide. As the first country to debut right-hand drive passenger car for Dongfeng brand, it’s the testament that PEKEMA is an important overseas partner and Malaysia is recognized as a key international market for global automakers”.
“As an exclusive distributor and importers for the brand, we are thrilled to embark into this exciting journey together with our network of valued dealers. At the moment, the team is working hard in finalizing the retail package which will benefit our customers right from the sales offerings and more importantly the after sales support”, Operation Director of CADB, Dato’ SM Zulkifli Bin SM Amin.
The Dongfeng BOX is the first model built on the Dongfeng Quantum Architecture S3 platform. It has compact dimensions of 4020/1810/1570 mm, making it ideal for urban young people and families as a multi-scenario transportation vehicle. The chic and fashionable design of the BOX includes through-type LED headlights, contrasting suspended roof, frameless doors, and hidden sensor door handles. It also features high-grade leather diamond pattern design, 32-color ambient lighting, and frameless rearview mirrors.
Despite its small size, the BOX has an ultra-long wheelbase of 2663mm, allowing for a spacious interior with a utilization rate of 66%. The electric drive assembly provides high efficiency, maximum power of 70kW, peak torque of 160N·m, and a top speed of 140km/h. It supports fast and slow charging methods, with a 30-minute 30%-80% recharge time on a DC charger. Additionally, it has an external discharge function for recharging electrical appliances outdoors.
The BOX also offers comfortable and convenient features such as a one-button lie-flat mode for the main driver, 12.8-inch floating central touch screen, mobile phone wireless charging, and L2 intelligent driving assistance functions. Overall, the Dongfeng BOX combines style, space, and performance for a modern and practical transportation solution.