Gasgoo Daily: XPENG's 3rd overseas localized production project to be launched in Malaysia

With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

XPENG's Third Overseas Localized Production Project to Be Launched in Malaysia

• Who: Chinese new energy vehicle maker XPENG and Malaysia’s EPMB Group.

• What: Official launch of XPENG’s localized vehicle production project in Malaysia.

• When: The agreement was announced on December 15 via XPENG’s official WeChat account; mass production is planned for 2026.

• Where: Malaysia; the project is positioned to serve the ASEAN right-hand-drive market.

• Significance:

• This is XPENG’s third global localized production project, following projects in Indonesia and Austria.

• Malaysia is selected due to its role as a regional consumption hub, its mature automotive supply chain, and supportive policies for localized manufacturing.

• Strategic Purpose (Why/How):

• The project aims to establish a strategic manufacturing hub serving the entire ASEAN right-hand-drive market.

• It reflects XPENG’s long-term commitment to its “In the local market, for the local market” strategy, emphasizing localized products tailored to local user needs and deeper participation in regional electrification.

• Broader Context:

• July: First overseas localized production project launched in Indonesia.

• September: First European localized production project began at Magna’s Graz plant in Austria, and XPENG’s first European R&D center opened in Munich, Germany.

• December: Malaysia project becomes the second in Asia-Pacific and third globally.

• XPENG has rapidly expanded its overseas localization efforts within six months:

CATL and Transfar Group Form Strategic Partnership to Build a Zero-Carbon Intelligent Ecosystem

• Who: Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL) and Transfar Group.

• What: Signing of a strategic cooperation agreement.

• When: December 12.

• Where: Ningde, Fujian Province, China.

• Overall Objective (Why):

• To integrate strengths in intelligent manufacturing, smart logistics, new energy technologies, and zero-carbon solutions.

• To promote green industrial transformation and intelligent upgrading, and jointly build an open, collaborative, and sustainable industrial ecosystem.

• Key Areas of Cooperation (How):

• Jointly explore innovative applications of embodied intelligent robots in locations including Hangzhou.

• Promote deep integration of high-end equipment manufacturing and new energy technologies.

• Cultivate emerging growth areas oriented toward the “15th Five-Year Plan” period.

• Develop multi-scenario solutions covering logistics transportation, commercial vehicle electrification, industrial and commercial energy storage, integrated solar–storage–EV charging–battery swapping networks, zero-carbon communities, and smart agriculture.

• Create replicable and scalable zero-carbon demonstration projects.

• Strengthen collaboration in key battery materials supply and warehousing/logistics optimization.

• Build a more stable, efficient, and green supply chain foundation.

1. Supply Chain Synergy:

2. Expansion of Zero-Carbon Ecosystems:

3. Future Industry Exploration:

WeRide and Uber Launch Public Robotaxi Operations in Dubai

• Who: WeRide, Uber, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

• What: Official launch of public Robotaxi operations via the Uber App.

• When: Announced on December 12; service is available from now on.

• Where: Dubai, initially covering Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, two adjacent coastal areas and major tourist destinations.

• How the Service Works:

• Users can book Robotaxi rides through the Uber App by selecting the dedicated “Autonomous” category.

• Tawasul will serve as the primary fleet operations partner for WeRide’s Robotaxi service on Uber, providing fleet management.

• Background and Current Status:

• Since announcing their Dubai partnership in April, WeRide and Uber have conducted pilot programs and road testing to ensure a safe and smooth transition to autonomous mobility.

• At the current stage, vehicles are equipped with safety operators to ensure ride safety and passenger experience.

• Future Goal:

• The current deployment is intended to lay the groundwork for fully driverless commercial Robotaxi operations by early 2026.