Hyundai Motor Company has officially announced the start of Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY), a new local entity. This change marks Hyundai’s shift from being a distributor under Sime Motors to running its own operations, focusing more on the market, improving customer engagement, and emphasizing innovation and growth.
Hyundai is strengthening its presence in key growth markets to align with its vision of driving Progress for Humanity, making Malaysia crucial for its future. This change means Hyundai will take full control of brand, marketing, sales, and customer experience, supported by a local team that can make quicker, relevant decisions for a more customer-focused approach.
Driving Forward: Hyundai’s Long-Term Commitment to Growth in Malaysia
Hyundai’s entry into the Malaysian market is a big step in its plan to grow globally. This shows the company’s long-term commitment to helping Malaysia’s economy and industries grow. They’re focusing on sustainable development and building a local presence.
Hyundai is expanding its team in Malaysia and setting up a strong dealer network. They will also launch several initiatives to strengthen the Hyundai brand in the local car market. With a goal to reach 100 employees by the end of the year, Hyundai has established its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur’s financial district at Menara Affin @TRX, showing its aim to be part of Malaysia’s innovation and progress.
“Hyundai has always stood for progress — not just in mobility, but in how we connect with people, communities, and the future. Our founder’s belief in betterment and sustainable action continues to inspire us as we grow our global footprint. With the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia, we are bringing the strength and agility of a global brand closer to home. This isn’t just a new chapter — it’s a long-term commitment to Malaysia as a strategic hub in ASEAN. Backed by innovation, vertical integration, and purpose-driven growth, we look forward to building with our partners, serving our customers, and contributing meaningfully to Malaysia’s economy,” said Eric Lee, President, Hyundai Motor Malaysia. In the near term, HMY will introduce three new models across the SUV and MPV categories.
Hyundai is expanding its operations beyond domestic sales by partnering with Inokom Corporation Sdn. Bhd. to set up local assembly in Kedah, Malaysia, starting in Q3 2025. The new facility will produce up to seven car models over five years, integrating Malaysia into Hyundai’s global manufacturing. To align with the country’s sustainability goals, the initial focus will be on assembling internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), including SUVs and MPVs to meet Malaysia’s demand for high-quality vehicles. As production increases, around 30 percent of the vehicles assembled in Malaysia are expected to be exported to nearby markets.
Commenting on Hyundai’s expansion into the Malaysian market, Jahabarnisa Haja Mohideen, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor Malaysia, shares: “Malaysia is a market full of untapped potential — it boasts the highest passenger vehicle demand in ASEAN at 35%, with a steady GDP growth of 4.3% signalling strong consumer confidence and rising spending power.”
These conditions foster innovation and long-term investment. By partnering with local stakeholders, Malaysia emerges as a prime location for Hyundai’s expansion and growth strategy in Asia Pacific. As Hyundai ventures into Malaysia, Sime Motors will continue to be a valued partner within Hyundai’s dealer network.
“We are proud to have played a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth in Malaysia. As Hyundai embarks on its next phase, we remain committed to supporting its sales and aftersales operations — ensuring continuity, confidence, and a seamless service experience for existing and future Hyundai customers,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Sime Motors, Southeast Asia, reaffirming the company’s commitment to a smooth transition.
The Road Ahead: A Future-Focused Journey with Malaysia
While focusing on a seamless operational transition and service continuity, Hyundai’s long-term vision includes upgrading its dealer and after-sales network, centering on customer experience with modern showrooms, enhanced digital integration, and a more intuitive ownership journey.
Reflecting on Malaysia’s growing role in Hyundai’s regional strategy, Lee added: “Malaysia has always been an important part of Hyundai’s journey in Southeast Asia. With the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia, we are entering a new chapter that allows us to work even more closely with our customers, partners, and communities.
Following the launch of HMY, Hyundai is updating its official website and social media channels.
To keep receiving important updates like service reminders, software updates, maintenance notices, ownership benefits, and more, Hyundai customers in Malaysia should update their contact information using this [link]. This will help HMY provide better support and a smoother ownership experience for its customers.
HMY aims to set a benchmark in aftersales excellence by leveraging global best practices and enhancing local service capabilities, expanding to 25 outlets by 2030 and upgrading the aftersales system for a better customer experience.
Hyundai’s Journey in Malaysia
Hyundai has been a well-known brand on Malaysian roads since the early 2000s, especially after teaming up with Sime Motors (formerly Sime Darby Motors) in 2004. This partnership helped the brand become more popular across the country.
Over the years, Malaysians have appreciated many types of Hyundai vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and MPVs, as well as lifestyle cars like the Elantra, Veloster, Palisade, Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, Starex, and Staria. More recently, they have also welcomed electric and energy-efficient models like the IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ 5 N. In total, these vehicles have sold over 147,862 units, showing that Hyundai is becoming more accepted in the market and has many loyal customers.
For more exciting news, updates and information on offers, please visit our website at https://www.hyundai.com/my